After the spectacular second round of the AUNER HardEnduroSeries Germany in Reetz, attention now turns to the next highlight of the season. Around two months after the last race, the series will head to Kronach for the very first time on May 30, 2026.
The race in Reetz once again demonstrated how close and competitive the 2026 season has become so far. Under difficult conditions, Henry Strauss and Leon Hentschel delivered thrilling battles for victory. In the end, Strauss secured the win and managed to level the championship standings.
Both top riders therefore arrive in Kronach tied on points, creating even more excitement ahead of the third round. After the longer break, it also remains to be seen which riders used the time best to prepare for the next phase of the championship.
For the riders, Kronach not only represents a completely new venue, but also another important benchmark in the 2026 title fight.
New HESG event in Kronach brings Enduro racing back to Franconia
Kronach will be a completely new venue on the calendar of the AUNER HardEnduroSeries Germany. Over the past weeks, the organizing club has invested a great deal of work into preparing the track and creating a demanding course featuring numerous rocky sections and uphill climbs.
The planned lap time of around ten minutes promises a varied course that will challenge riders both technically and physically. Part of the track will also include a SuperEnduro-style section, which has been specially rebuilt to provide spectacular action for the spectators.
For the Franconia region, the event also marks the return of major Enduro racing. The last major Enduro event in Kronach took place back in 2016. Until then, the ECHT Endurocup had regularly visited the region for several years.
With the arrival of the AUNER HardEnduroSeries Germany, Enduro racing in Franconia is experiencing a true revival, and many riders are eager to see how the new venue will fit into the championship calendar.
Injuries cause changes in the rider field ahead of Kronach
A lot of time has passed since the last race in Reetz. Almost all riders of the AUNER HardEnduroSeries Germany have competed in other events or used the break intensively to prepare for the next part of the season.
However, preparations for Kronach did not go smoothly for everyone. Especially at the front of the championship standings, several injury-related absences will affect the field.
Florian Geisenhofer will miss Kronach after injuring his shoulder in Reetz. The returning rider does not yet feel fit enough and instead plans to return for the anniversary event in Reisersberg.
There are also major absences within the ExtremeEnduroShop / Motorrad Welink team. Championship third-place rider Marc Wulf will have to sit out the Kronach event after recently having screws removed that had remained in his body following his long injury break in 2024.
Additionally, Emil Kessler will also be absent. The current leader of the X-Grip Junior standings injured his foot/ankle during training and is expected to miss a longer period. This means ExtremeEnduroShop / Motorrad Welink loses two important riders for the Kronach round.
As a result, the Junior class is guaranteed to see a new winner in Kronach. However, there are still several strong contenders, including Luca Kropitsch, Linus Albert, Felix Strauss, and Leon Raimann.
The battle for the overall victory remains completely open. Henry Strauss and Leon Hentschel arrive in Kronach tied at the top of the standings. With the season victories also tied at 1:1, the duel between the two title contenders is once again expected to take center stage.
As usual, the Amateur class features the largest field, with a total of 64 riders entered. Predicting a clear favorite beforehand is nearly impossible.
Extensive supporting program in Kronach
There will once again be plenty happening off the track for riders and spectators alike.
Race day traditionally starts at 8:45 AM with the ACE Bikes Prolog Award, where riders compete for the best starting positions for the group races.
Afterwards, the HESG Kids races and both adult group races will take place before attention shifts toward the big final in the afternoon.
The Motorrad.versicherung HESG Village will once again offer several attractions for fans. Starting at 3:30 PM, spectators will have the chance to meet the top riders of the series during the popular autograph session.
For the first time in Kronach, visitors will also have the opportunity to test the Stark Varg and experience the electric technology of the series up close.
The big final will start at approximately 4:15 PM. For the decisive race of the day, the track will once again be made more demanding, promising spectacular Hard Enduro action for the fans.
Spectators can expect extensive track overview
For spectators, a detailed track map featuring all major highlights of the course will be available on-site, helping fans quickly reach the best viewing points.
With excellent early summer weather forecasted, everything is set for a successful third round of the season – both on and off the track.
Current information about the AUNER HardEnduroSeries Germany is always available at www.hardenduro-germany.de and on the official social media channels.
Fotos: Michel238pic/Michel Kuchel & AC Kronach
