Matt Green - One Of Hard Enduros Rising Stars

Wels, Austria - 2 June, 2023 — The FIM Hard Enduro Junior World Championship supported by KLIM is fast becoming a hot bed of young talent. Offering a dedicated class for competitors under the age of 22, in shining a light directly on up-and-coming young talent, the class is also designed to help prepare younger racers as they transition into the Pro category while chasing the official FIM Hard Enduro Junior World title.

In 2022, South African Matt Green made history by becoming the first FIM Hard Enduro Junior World Cup winner. The Rigo Racing rider put together a standout year, not just winning the junior class, but also growing consistently stronger in the Pro category too.

A definite rider to watch for the coming years, the likeable, outgoing, and fun-loving youngster is already feeling good about his 2023 season having won at the season opener in Serbia.

“Winning the Xross Hard Enduro Rally was the perfect start to the championship, although it wasn’t my best ride,” says Matt. “I had a bad first day in the rain and it put me on the back foot. But I enjoy those multi-day style races and knew I had time to turn things around.”

With a first hard fought Junior victory of 2023 already under his belt, Matt’s taking nothing for granted this year.

“Nothing is certain in Hard Enduro. It’s a tough sport! Naturally I want to defend my title, but it won’t come easy. The class is deeper in talent, and everyone is stepping it up too.”

Settled within his Italian Rigo Racing team, at the races it’s easy to see just how relaxed Matt is among his Italian crew. A smaller team in comparison to some of the top, factory-backed squads, the Rigo Racing set-up is one that clearly works.

“I love it here in the Rigo Racing camp,” explains Matt. “This is my third year with them. We’ve become like family. I live with them at their base in Italy and we do most things together. I think that helps at the races because we all know how each other works and operates. If there’s a problem the guys are on it.”

With Red Bull Erzbergrodeo on the horizon, that family bond will be more crucial than ever as Matt gears up for one of the year’s biggest races. Crossing the 2022 finish line in seventh, the South African feels he’s got more to offer come next week’s race.

“Finishing seventh in 2022 was a huge result for me, but I want to improve on that. A top five is a big goal - a dream result even. But if everything was to just go my way then just maybe it’s possible!”

Matt and the FIM Hard Enduro World Championship head to Austria for round two at the Red Bull Erzbergrodeo on June 8-11. Watch the race live here on https://iridehardenduro.com/events/red-bull-erzbergrodeo