For the penultimate round of the AUNER HardEnduroSeries Germany 2025, riders, fans, and organizers made their way to Meltewitz. The traditional MelzExdraehm has been a fixed date on the calendar since the very beginning of the series, and every edition has delivered thrilling racing. The special atmosphere of the Dornreichenbach quarry has always been a highlight in the HESG program. To date, only Leon Hentschel has managed to win here twice, with different winners each other year.
The organizing club, SHC Meltewitz, introduced a brand-new track concept for this edition. The loop was designed more compactly, but this made it significantly more challenging for the riders. The long sections around the lake were removed, with the action shifting to the front area near the paddock – a clear plus for spectators. Despite the shorter lap length, lap times increased notably, highlighting the demanding nature of the new layout.
Facts – MelzExdraehm Meltewitz, 28.09.2025
- Weather: 18°C, sunny
- ACE Bikes Prolog Award Winner: Henry Strauss (KTM)
- Overall Winner: Milan Schmüser
- Fastest Lap: Milan Schmüser (BETA), 20:19:020
Strauss Takes the Lead in the ACE Bikes Prolog Award
The Prolog already provided a heated battle. With the Prolog track completely renewed, there was plenty to discover for both riders and spectators. Milan Schmüser was the first to go out and face the new obstacles. Right behind him started Henry Strauss, who cleverly used the fresh tracks and maximized his pace without taking too many risks. His strategy paid off: with a four-second advantage over Schmüser, Strauss secured the fastest time and also took the overall lead in the Prolog standings.
Henry Strauss
The decision for the ACE Bikes Prolog Award will now come at the finale in Rüdersdorf. The rule is simple: whoever wins the Prolog there will also take the overall Prolog title. Meanwhile, Leon Hentschel experienced drama after a spectacular front flip cost him a lot of time, forcing him to start from row two in the main race.
Only Three Riders Reach Maximum Distance
The main race was, as tradition demands, set over three hours or a maximum of seven laps. In the end, only three riders managed to complete the full mandatory distance – a clear sign of the toughness of the new course.
From the first starting row, Strauss, Schmüser, Arvid Meyer, and David Loose headed into the race. The following rows started at one-minute intervals, with each grouphaving their own three-hour race clock. Already after the opening lap it became clear: this was going to be an intense day. Schmüser returned with a clear lead, but due to his later start, Hentschel was ahead on corrected time. Strauss, still in contention for the championship, only came back in sixth after lap one.
The KTM rider did not give up. Step by step, he worked his way forward and, about an hour before the end, managed to catch Schmüser. Strauss even briefly took the lead. However, a poor line choice in the large rock field allowed Schmüser to retake the advantage, pull away again, and extend his lead to the finish. The Beta rider thus claimed his sixth consecutive season win – though not as dominant as the results might initially suggest.
At the finish, Schmüser was pleased with his performance: "At the beginning I battled with Leon, then with Henry. Even though you can’t always see it, we overtook each other several times. The first laps were tough, but then it got easier as there were fewer riders on the track."
Milan Schmüser
Behind the leading duo, Leon Hentschel crossed the line in third place. This result ended his hopes of a championship title in both the Championnat and the Pro Class. With 16 points behind and only 30 left to be awarded, only Henry Strauss can still catch Milan Schmüser at the finale. Rico Petzold impressed in fourth place, this time riding a GasGas instead of his usual Stark Varg.
Exciting Battles in the Classes
The MelzExdraehm also provided plenty of drama and stories across the individual classes.
In the Electric Class, Wanja Morlinghaus narrowly prevailed against Eric Seifert. Seifert showed remarkable determination: despite a necessary battery swap, completed in record time, and front wheel problems, he still managed to bring his bike to the finish and ended up ninth overall.
Michael Rösch
The Senior Class featured a surprisingly large number of starters this year, including guest rider Marco Störmer, who has taken part in nearly every edition of the MelzExdraehm. The victory, however, once again went to Kai Uebe, who confidently beat Rudolf Stütz. On third place, former biathlete Michael Rösch made headlines. Just like last year, he impressed with a strong performance and repeated his podium result despite the tough competition.
The Women’s Class was once again dominated by Julia Bittner. She delivered a flawless race and extended her championship lead. Her closest rival, Karolina Vrotva, had to retire after the first checkpoint, leaving Bittner with an excellent chance of securing the title at the finale.
In the Amateur Class, Sören Emich struck back. After his retirement in Schwepnitz cost him the championship lead, he returned in Meltewitz with a strong performance and took the win. His toughest rival, Pascal Kaupa, only managed third place behind Jakob Blazovich, which allowed Emich to reclaim the overall lead just in time before the finale.
Matthis Millich
In the X-Grip Junior Class, Matthis Millich had the opportunity to secure the title early. A weak Prolog forced him to start from the back rows, but with an impressive comeback he still managed to win his class. Linus Albert celebrated a strong second place after returning from a long injury break. Emil Kessler took third and kept his own championship hopes alive.
Finale in Rüdersdorf with Championship Ceremony
After an action-packed weekend in Meltewitz, all eyes now turn to the grand finale. On November 1, 2025, the final round of the AUNER HardEnduroSeries Germany will take place in Rüdersdorf near Berlin. Entries open on October 1. As tradition, the season will not only conclude on the track but also in celebration: in the evening, the big Race Party with Championship Ceremony will be held, where the new champions will be honored in style.
Latest information on the AUNER HardEnduroSeries Germany is always available at www.hardenduro-germany.de and across social media.
Photos: Michel238pic/Michel Kuchel
