Under ideal weather conditions, the eighth season of the Hardenduro Series Germany (HESG) kicked off in Neuhaus-Schierschnitz, delivering an exciting start for fans. The MC Isolator had meticulously prepared an excellent track on the "Biene," featuring both thrilling duels and demanding Hardenduro obstacles. A total of seven races were scheduled, with high expectations, as not only did many established riders take part, but several former champions also returned to the starting lineup.
Facts – Champion Hardenduro Challenge Neuhaus-Schierschnitz, March 29, 2025
Weather: 10°C, heavily overcast
ACE Bikes Prologue Award Winner: Milan Schmüser (BETA)
Race Winner: Milan Schmüser
Fastest Lap: Milan Schmüser (BETA), 04:51.464
First Benchmark: ACE Bikes Prologue Award
The event started at 8:45 AM with the ACE Bikes Prologue Award, featuring 125 participants. The track was designed to be more flowing since, at the beginning of the season, there was no ranking system in place for new riders and those from the previous year. This prevented congestion and allowed everyone to set a fair time.
From the outset, a tight battle for the fastest time emerged. Reigning champion Henry Strauss set an early benchmark, but Leon Hentschel stayed close, trailing by just 0.6 seconds. A surprise came from Arvid Meyer, who, despite a crash, finished only ten seconds behind the leaders.
However, the real thriller was yet to come. Returning rider Milan Schmüser put in a strong lap to take the lead, followed closely by Pascal Sadecki, who also made a strong comeback. After two guest appearances last year, Sadecki is now fully registered and competing for the junior title. In the end, only 1.5 seconds separated the top four—setting the stage for an action-packed day.
Group Races Decide the Final Grid
The group races determined the starting grid for the final. Due to the shorter track, three group races were held in Neuhaus-Schierschnitz.
In the first race, Milan Schmüser, Arvid Meyer, and Leon Hentschel—three top contenders—went head-to-head. Schmüser wasted no time, quickly pulling away and securing a dominant win. Meyer and Hentschel fought a fierce battle for second place, with Meyer ultimately prevailing thanks to his superior stamina.
Eric Seifert
The second group race saw Paul-Erik Huster take the lead and keep his challengers at bay. Pascal Sadecki followed in second, while guest rider Jonathan Petter impressed by putting significant pressure on the leader.
The third group race was won by reigning champion Henry Strauss, who finished ahead of Marc Wulf. Eric Seifert delivered an outstanding performance, securing third place—his best result in a group race to date.
Henry Strauss
Final: A Hitchcock-Style Thriller for Victory
At precisely 4:15 PM, the final race began on an even more challenging track. The top 45 riders—the best 15 from each group race—lined up in rows of three, based on their group race results. Schmüser, Strauss, and Huster led the field from the front row.
From the start, an intense duel unfolded between Schmüser and Strauss, with the two riders swapping the lead almost every lap. "I lost count of how many times we switched places," Schmüser said after the race.
In the final lap, the Beta rider had a razor-thin lead over the KTM rider—and he held onto it until the finish line. With just a motorcycle-length advantage, Milan Schmüser claimed victory ahead of Henry Strauss.
"Winning the prologue, the group race, and now the final—it was an incredible race! I hope the whole season stays this exciting," an ecstatic Schmüser said.
Strauss was also satisfied with his second place: "I made a few mistakes in the prologue but won my group race and had an awesome battle with Milan in the final. See you in Reetz!"
Last year's runner-up, Leon Hentschel, finished third, followed by former champion Marc Wulf and surprise contender Eric Seifert, who achieved the best result of his career.
Pascal Sadecki Wins X-Grip Junior Classification
In the X-Grip Junior category, Pascal Sadecki secured his first-ever class victory. Jan Vavolda finished second, just ahead of Matthis Millich, who is working his way back into form after a winter injury.
Pascal Sadecki
In the senior category, Kai Uebe triumphed over Alexander Zindt. The amateur class was won by Bequirej Arbenit, who entered the race at the last minute and immediately emerged as a favorite.
For the first time, three riders competed in the HESG-E (electric category), with Rico Petzold taking the win ahead of Felix Bräuer and Sven Schönherr.
Among the women, Julia Bittner claimed victory over Karolina Vrchtova and Lisa Kirmse, positioning herself as a potential title favorite for the season.
Luminus Energie HESG Kids: Favorites Dominate
The youngest riders in the Hardenduro Series Germany also delivered impressive performances. In the 65ccm class, Jordan Wittenberg, who registered late, lived up to his favorite status and secured a dominant win.
Jordan Wittenberg
In the 50ccm category, Melvin Gohlke emerged victorious, while Loris Solbrig took the win in the 85ccm category.
The AUNER HardEnduroSeries Germany continues on April 12 in Reetz. Online registration is available at: www.hardenduro-germany.de/onlinenennung-reetzer-hardenduro-12-04-2025
Stay up to date with the latest news on the Auner HardEnduroSeries Germany at www.hardenduro-germany.de and on social media.
Photos: Michel238pic/Michel Kuchel