Expotrade FIM Women’s Enduro World Championship riders gearing up for the 2026 EnduroGP season opener in Sicily, Italy this weekend.

With the beginning of the Paulo Duarte FIM EnduroGP World Championship this coming weekend in Custonaci, Sicily (April 10-12) at the GP of Italy, the Expotrade FIM Women’s Enduro World Championship also kicks-off.

Scheduled at five rounds of the seven-round EnduroGP round series, the Expotrade Women’s Enduro and Expotrade Junior Women’s Enduro classes will contest the GP of Italy, GP of Spain, GP of Portugal I & II, plus the GP of Wales putting the female riders at the start, the heart and the finale of the season.

In total, 14 riders female from eight nations representing nine manufacturers will roll off the start ramp in Custonaci this weekend. After a closely-fought 2025 campaign, it’s expected that this year’s title fight will be as competitive as ever.

Full entry list for the GP of Italy is here: 2026 EnduroGP World Championship Rnd1 Incoming – Entry List & Preview

Defending champion Gutish heads GP of Italy entry

Making history as the first rider from the United States to win an FIM Enduro World Championship, RIEJU Factory Team’s Rachel Gutish returns in 2026 focused on defending her crown. Gutish is a rider who favours conditions when they are tough and demanding, so she will be eager to set the pace in Sicily.

However, she faces a strong challenge from teammate Rosie Rowett, who finished as runner-up to her in 2025. Rowett, on the recovery trail from knee surgery, claimed a breakthrough moment in her career by winning both race days at the GP of Wales last year. Knowing she has the pace to run up front and take wins, she will be hoping to use that confidence boost to get the better of Gutish.

Third overall in 2025, Italy’s Francesca Nocera (Honda) will miss her home Grand Prix as she recovers from a knee injury. That leaves the door open for a fresh face to challenge for the top three overall. France’s Justine Martel (Beta) and Norway’s Vilde Holt (Kawasaki) will be aiming for a place on the podium, along with Britain’s Nieve Holmes (Sherco) and France’s Marine Lemoine (KTM).

Of the four riders, Holmes carries the most form, having scored podium results during both outings in Portugal last year before an injury cut her season short. Martel ended 2025 with a third place finish in Germany and will hope to carry that momentum into the season opener this weekend.

Additional riders to watch for include Portugal’s Joana Goncalves (Husqvarna) and Spain’s Maria San Miguel (RIEJU), while Italy’s Sara Traini (Triumph) will be motivated for a strong showing at her home race.

Lafont aiming to defend Junior Women’s Enduro title

In the Expotrade FIM Junior Women’s Enduro World Cup, it’s France’s Lorna Lafont (Husqvarna) who starts as the defending champion. The inaugural 2025 season for the Junior Women’s Enduro class saw Lafont go head-to-head with closest rival - Britain’s Elizabeth Tett (TM MOTO) for top honours.

The year ended with both riders tied on points and wins, with Lafont claiming the title thanks to her double victory at the final round in Germany. Both will be eager to resume their battles for the top step of the podium in Sicily, while pushing for a top overall result in the Women’s Enduro class. In Italy, they will be joined by Poland’s Maja Kozlowska (KTM) and Charlene Boudon (Fantic).

2026 FIM Women's Enduro World Championship Calendar

Round 1: GP of Italy – Custonaci, Sicily – 10-12 April

Round 2: GP of Spain – Oliana – 1-3 May

Round 3: GP of Portugal – Fafe – 12-14 June

Round 4: GP of Portugal II – Fafe – 19-21 June

Round 5: GP of Wales – Rhayader – 7-9 August

Photo Credit: Future7Media Andrea Belluschi + Nicki Martinez