In just one week, the time has come: On March 29, 2025, the Auner HardEnduroSeries Germany (HESG) will kick off a new season in Neuhaus-Schierschnitz. Many still remember the 2023 season opener, when heavy rain caused chaotic conditions. However, this time, the weather looks much more promising, and MC Isolator has already intensively prepared the track.
With 120 riders at the start, a high-caliber field is ready to go. The focus is once again on the overall standings, where not only the prestigious title but also the highest prize money for the top three will be awarded at the end of the season.
Title Battle 2025: Three HESG Champions in Direct Competition
The new season is all about a showdown between past champions: Three of the four previous HESG champions are competing in 2025, all aiming to reclaim the title.
- Henry Strauss (KTM) – The defending champion caused a sensation in 2024 when, as a junior rider, he not only won his class but also the overall ranking. Now, he faces the challenge of defending his success.
- Leon Hentschel (BETA) – The 2019 and 2021 champion is aiming for his third title. In 2024, he finished as runner-up, but with his new Beta and a wealth of experience, he is targeting the top spot.
- Marc Wulf (KTM) – The 2023 champion is returning after an injury break and will do everything he can to compete at the front again.
Only Kevin Gallas, the 2018 and 2022 champion, will not be participating as he has moved on to other challenges.
KTM vs. BETA: Who Will Prevail?
Beyond the HESG champions, another top-tier title contender is entering the stage: Milan Schmüser (BETA).
After a long injury break, he had to find his rhythm again but already made a strong comeback in the SuperEnduro Junior World Championship. There, he secured multiple season wins and finished as vice-champion.
Now, he faces Henry Strauss (KTM), who, as the reigning champion, will do everything he can to hold off Schmüser. Leon Hentschel (BETA) and Marc Wulf (KTM) are also serious threats, setting the stage for an intense battle between the dominant manufacturers KTM and BETA.
Additionally, Fynn Hannemann and Tim Apolle—two fast riders with occasional race appearances, both on BETA—have already claimed individual victories in the series.
Fynn Hannemann
One thing is certain: Three champions, a highly motivated comeback rider, and the major KTM vs. BETA duel – the 2025 season promises excitement!
X-Grip Juniors: Who Will Follow in Henry Strauss' Footsteps?
With Henry Strauss moving up to the pro class, a new champion is needed in the X-Grip Junior class.
The top favorite is Matthis Millich (BETA). The Baden-Württemberg native finished as vice-champion in 2024 but was barely able to train in the winter due to an injury.
Pascal Sadecki (Fantic), a strong Erzgebirge rider, returns on a brand that has been rarely seen in the HESG so far. Sky Dombrowski (KTM) is also an outsider contender, having already secured podium finishes in the DEM Juniors 2 class.
Among the consistent top performers and podium contenders are Jan Vavolda, Emil Kessler, Felix Strauss, and Jonas Albert. Vavolda finished third in 2024—can he climb even higher this year?
Women, Amateurs, and Seniors: Everything is Open
The women’s class is highly competitive, but with Maria Franke and Eva Täuber currently absent, there is an opportunity for Julia Bittner to claim her first title.
The amateur class boasts the largest field, with 64 entries. Last year, a different rider won each race—will the class remain just as unpredictable in 2025?
A new champion will also emerge in the seniors' class, as the top three from 2024 are not returning.
HESG-E: Electric Motorcycles on the Rise
Never before have so many riders registered for the HESG-E class, yet so far, only two electric bikes are set to compete in Neuhaus-Schierschnitz. One of these pioneers is Felix Bräuer, who is making a comeback after a break.
Luminus Energie HESG Kids: Young Talents on the Rise
Thanks to Luminus Energie, the top three riders in the kids' classes receive vouchers for motorcycle accessories at every race.
- In the 50cc class, an exciting duel is brewing between Niklas Sonnack and Melvin Gohlke. Gohlke finished second in 2024, just behind Mika Klose, who is now moving up to the 65cc class.
- There, he will face clubmates Louis Meier and Constantin Richter, both of whom are considered top contenders.
- In the 85cc class, Saxon duo Loris Solbrig and Eric Keller are strong competitors. Whether Paul Richter will join them in forming a dominant trio remains to be seen.
Luminus Energie HESG Kids
Conclusion: Who Will Make the First Statement?
By 5:00 PM on March 29, it will be clear who will take the early lead in the standings and set the first trend in the title race.
With three HESG champions, the thrilling KTM vs. BETA battle, and a top-tier field of competitors, the Auner HardEnduroSeries Germany 2025 promises to be one of the most exciting seasons ever!
True to the HESG motto: "Feel the Action" – the new season is ready to go!
For the latest updates on the Auner HardEnduroSeries Germany, visit www.hardenduro-germany.de or check out their social media channels.
Photos: Michel238pic/Michel Kuchel