The AUNER HardEnduroSeries Germany visited Kronach in Franconia for the very first time. After many years without major Enduro racing, the third round of the 2026 season on May 30 marked the long-awaited return of the sport to the region.
The organizing club had invested a great deal of effort into preparing the course, creating a varied and challenging track that is intended to be the foundation for a long-term partnership with the AUNER HardEnduroSeries Germany. Featuring numerous climbs, rocky sections, and artificial obstacles, the course offered everything expected from a modern Hard Enduro event.
This time, the weather also played its part. After the first two rounds in Neuhaus-Schierschnitz and Reetz had been heavily affected by rain and difficult conditions, Kronach welcomed riders with perfect summer weather. Even the forecast thunderstorms stayed clear of the venue. However, the dry conditions created a dusty track that challenged riders and spectators alike.
Facts – Kronacher Hardenduro Kronach, May 30, 2026
Weather: 26°C, partly cloudy
ACE Bikes Prolog Award Winner: Henry Strauss (KTM)
Overall Winner: Henry Strauss (KTM)
Champion Oil Fastest Lap: Henry Strauss (KTM), 08:53.480
With more than 150 riders entered, the series recorded a new season attendance record. Among the starters were several strong guest riders, including Fynn Hannemann and Wanja Morlinghaus. Hannemann, in particular, would go on to play an important role throughout the day.
ACE Bikes Prolog Award: Strauss gains valuable points
The ACE Bikes Prolog Award in Kronach provided a fast start to race day while also offering genuine SuperEnduro flair thanks to its numerous artificial obstacles.
Henry Strauss benefited the most from these conditions. As the first rider on track, he enjoyed a largely dust-free lap and made full use of the advantage. The KTM rider immediately set the fastest time and put himself in an excellent position for the rest of the day.
His long-time rival Leon Hentschel was unable to beat the benchmark and finished nearly six seconds behind Strauss. The result became even more significant when Domenik Nieschalk managed to place himself between the two title contenders, allowing Strauss to gain two additional championship points over Hentschel before the racing had even properly begun.
The outcome remained uncertain until the very end. One of the final riders to take on the course was guest rider Fynn Hannemann, who had been considered one of the favorites for the overall victory. Despite enjoying a relatively clear run, he was unable to challenge the front runners and had to settle for fifth place.
Exciting group races set the stage
At 10:45 a.m., the first of the two group races got underway and immediately delivered the showdown many spectators had been waiting for: Leon Hentschel versus Henry Strauss.
On the dry and dusty track, Hentschel initially got the better start and moved into the lead. However, a small mistake in a technical rock section allowed Strauss to capitalize immediately. The championship leader took over the lead and gradually pulled away with consistently fast lap times.
As Hentschel increasingly struggled with the dust from the rider ahead, Strauss continued to extend his advantage and eventually won the first group race by more than one minute.
For some riders, however, the race could hardly have started worse. Fynn Hannemann ran into trouble at the very first obstacle, getting stuck and bending his rear brake lever in the process. As a result, he completed the opening lap outside the top twenty.
Nevertheless, Hannemann fought back impressively. Finishing eighth overall, he still qualified comfortably for the final and advanced as the fifth-best guest rider.
Fynn Hannemann
The second group race also delivered exciting action. Here, a thrilling battle developed between Arvid Meyer on the Stark Varg and Luca Kropitsch.
While Meyer defended the lead for much of the race, Kropitsch became increasingly faster and closed the gap to just a few meters. The Austrian had reached Meyer’s rear wheel when a small mistake cost him momentum, allowing the Stark rider to pull away again and secure the win.
The race proved less successful for Domenik Nieschalk. The rider from the Ore Mountains crashed on a downhill section and later had to carry out repairs on his motorcycle. The lost time ultimately cost him a place in the final.
In the Women’s class, which was contested within the second group race, Julia Bittner once again took the win and underlined her strong form. The HESG Kids were also part of the event. In the 85cc category, Loris Solbrig once again came out on top, winning ahead of Eric Keller and continuing his impressive run of results.
Strauss makes it two in a row – Hannemann shines with impressive comeback
By the time the big final started at 4:30 p.m., the dark storm clouds surrounding the venue had completely disappeared. For the first time this season, a championship round would be completed entirely in dry conditions.
As usual, the final was contested over 55 minutes plus one lap. For the decisive race, the organizers had added several extra sections to the course, creating even more technical challenges. Combined with the rocky terrain, steep climbs, and summer temperatures, the race became a true physical test.
Henry Strauss remained completely unfazed. The KTM rider got off to a perfect start and looked in complete control throughout the entire race. He handled even the most difficult sections almost flawlessly and quickly established a gap over his rivals.
Henry Strauss
Leon Hentschel pushed hard to stay in contention, but Strauss found an excellent rhythm on the new Kronach course. Lap after lap, he extended his advantage and left no doubt about who was the fastest rider on the day.
With his second consecutive victory following Reetz, Strauss not only secured another overall win but now heads to Reisersberg as the sole championship leader in both the overall standings and the Pro class. The next event at the end of June will also mark the 50th race in series history.
Despite finishing second, Hentschel remained satisfied with his result. The Beta rider collected important championship points and remains firmly in contention for the title.
The biggest surprise of the day, however, came from Fynn Hannemann. Starting only from the eighth row, the guest rider carved his way through the field with an outstanding comeback ride. Thanks to spectacular overtakes and consistently fast lap times, he fought his way up to third overall and delivered one of the highlights of the event.
At the same time, Hannemann won the X-Grip Junior class. As a guest rider, however, he was not eligible for championship points, meaning the full points went to Luca Kropitsch. The Austrian therefore takes over the lead in the Junior standings following the injury-related absence of Emil Kessler.
There were also new winners in several other classes. Pascal Kaupa celebrated his first victory in the AUNER HardEnduroSeries Germany Amateur class. In the Seniors category, defending champion Kai Uebe once again came out on top and strengthened his position in the championship battle.
Arvid Meyer
The HESG-E category was won by Arvid Meyer, who once again proved the strength of the Stark Varg by defeating the competition.
Henry Strauss:
“It was a pretty good day overall. I got a good start in the final and simply focused on riding my lines. There were a few minor issues with lapped riders here and there, but organizationally the weekend was handled very well. I’m already looking forward to Reisersberg.”
Leon Hentschel:
“It was an awesome race. Second place for me, but most importantly I really enjoyed the new track. I’m already looking forward to coming back to Kronach next year.”
Fynn Hannemann:
“It was great to be back racing in the HESG this weekend. After a year away, I first had to get used to the race format again. The final went really well though, and I’m super happy with third overall and the Junior class win.”
Successful Kronach debut – anniversary event in Reisersberg already on the horizon
The first appearance of the AUNER HardEnduroSeries Germany in Kronach proved to be a major success for both the organizers and the hosting AC Kronach. Riders and spectators alike praised the new course and the overall organization of the event.
The club received widespread recognition for creating a varied and professionally organized event within a relatively short preparation period. The foundation now appears to be in place for a long-term partnership and future races in Kronach.
After three exciting rounds, attention now turns to the next highlight of the season. On June 27–28, 2026, the AUNER HardEnduroSeries Germany heads to Reisersberg, where the series will host its first-ever double-header event.
At the same time, a special milestone awaits riders, teams, and fans alike. The Saturday race will mark the 50th race in series history. The occasion will be celebrated that evening with the event “HESG 50 Races – Evening of Legends,” reflecting on the development and success of the championship over the years.
Registration for the anniversary weekend in Reisersberg remains open at:
https://www.hardenduro-germany.de/registration-hardenduro-im-hexenkessel-reisersberg-27-28-06-2026/
Current information about the AUNER HardEnduroSeries Germany is always available at:www.hardenduro-germany.de and across the series’ social media channels.
Photos: Michel238pic/Michel Kuchel
