The FIM Hard Enduro World Championship (HEWC) has confirmed the new Hard Enduro Women’s World Cup for the 2026 season with riders registered and ready to go from round one, Ales Trem in April.

With the minimum requirement of five registered riders met for the 2026 season, the Women’s World Cup is officially on and will be contested across all eligible championship rounds.

Promoters of the series already signalled their intent to have a specific and unified classification and championship structure for female riders. But it was dependent on the bare reality of their being enough interest and the athletes putting their names down and that is now the case.

Women’s World Cup classification at each event

• All female riders registered and eligible for the Women’s World Cup will compete on one unified points table, regardless of whether they enter the Gold, Silver or Bronze class at a given event.
• Riders who finish a more demanding class will be ranked ahead of riders finishing a less demanding class.
• Finishing remains the fundamental sporting requirement for classification.
• Points are awarded from the final Women’s World Cup results table using the standard FIM scoring structure.
• All championship rounds are eligible to score points, but for the final Women’s World Cup standings, only each rider’s best six results will count.
• Each round will see a dedicated Women’s classification in the official standings, event communications and post-race reporting.

The new framework and rules provide flexibility where financial or logistical constraints may prevent attendance at every round, Hard Enduro Promotions Marketing Management (HEP) the series promoters say. It allows riders without the same financial backing to choose events depending on the event and their home location, while acknowledging many riders hold day jobs.  

Development measures under discussion with riders

HEP add they are progressing discussions around practical development initiatives aimed at supporting participation and long-term growth between HEWC management, Ross Whitehead, athletes including Sandra Gómez, event organisers and FIM representatives.

Those initiatives include entry support incentives, pre-event training sessions and women-focused training camps.

These measures remain subject to coordination with organisers and the FIM and will be introduced progressively where feasible.

Why are they expanding?

The long-term success of the Women’s World Cup depends on making it a reality. “Often involving women is just words. Making this public, and making the championship accountable to what it says it will do, is what turns intention into reality.” Says Sandra Gomez

Across motorsport, the evidence shows when championships and governing bodies create the oppurtunities then women are able to thrive in a sport. When it is more informal or inconsistant, then those involved find it harder to gain traction. Just ask Sandra Gomez. 

In disciplines ranging from rally and motocross to circuit racing and off-road series, clearly defined women’s classifications help unlock new audiences, attracted long-term commercial partners and create legacy stories that extend beyond individual events.

Looking ahead

The HEWC is actively exploring the introduction of a dedicated commercial partner to support the Women’s World Cup, to help the category receive more visibility, promotional backing and help it develop.

The Women’s World Cup is an evolution of the FIM Hard Enduro World Championship as it attempts to align with wider efforts across motorsport to create inclusive, future-focused pathways for athletes.

With rider consultation underway and strong interest from across the paddock, HEP say they will continue working closely with the FIM, national federations, organisers and athletes to deliver a consistent, recognised championship platform.