Hard Enduro World Championship promoters push back against WERA, insisting the championship goes ahead as scheduled and challenging riders on unity and the priority of chasing a world title.

Hard Enduro Promotions Marketing Management LLC (HEP), the organisation entering its second year at the tenure of the FIM Hard Enduro World Championship, have acknowledged the statement released by the World Enduro Riders Association (WERA) regarding the 2026 FIM Hard Enduro World Championship calendar with a strong reply.

Read that here: Hard Enduro World Championship Calendar Bombshell from WERA – “we’re only racing six rounds”

Making it clear they support the principle of a riders’ association and constructive dialogue, HEP say the 2026 series is going ahead as scheduled with the FIM. They also say that several points from WERA need clarification. “We cannot build a World Championship around individual sponsor calendars,”  Says series Director, Ross Whitehead.

HEP lays out position: official statement

The FIM Hard Enduro World Championship has historically been structured around eight rounds under the former promoter (WESS), and that same format was planned for 2025. When Hard Enduro Promotions stepped in at short notice to safeguard the championship in 2025, seven rounds were successfully delivered, with only one originally scheduled event unable to proceed due to prior commitments.

Against this backdrop, being told by a limited number of riders that six rounds is the maximum viable championship represents a clear step backward and is not aligned with the long-term growth or professionalism of the sport.

“A World Championship cannot move forward by reducing its footprint,” said Ross Whitehead, HEWC Championship Manager. “Fewer rounds mean fewer opportunities for riders, teams, sponsors, and media. Growth comes from increased visibility, stronger events, and a stable global calendar, not contraction.”

Riders’ association not speaking for the entire paddock

While WERA has presented its position as representing riders collectively, it must be stated that, to our understanding, the association currently consists of six riders, and even within that group there is not full alignment. A riders’ association cannot credibly claim to speak for the entire paddock without representing most competitors.

“We fully support the idea of a riders’ association,” Whitehead added. “But for it to carry real weight at a World Championship level, it needs to reflect the voice of the paddock as a whole, not a limited number of individuals.”

Calendar planning for a World Championship involves balancing the needs of all stakeholders: riders, teams, manufacturers, organisers, host events, partners, and the FIM. It is not feasible to design a championship calendar around the preferences of individual riders’ external or personal sponsors.

Riders ultimately must decide whether their priority is competing for a World Championship title or selecting individual events that best suit personal sponsorship obligations. In this instance, the scheduling conflict cited affects two riders out of a field of approximately 40.

“We cannot build a World Championship around individual sponsor calendars,” Whitehead said. “Every professional sport requires difficult choices. Riders must decide whether they are chasing a world title or prioritising individual events, and that reality applies across motorsport.”

Financial support unrealistic at this stage

It should also be noted that under the previous promoter, no riders or teams received financial assistance, for travel, logistics, or entry fees, yet full eight-round seasons were contested. Expecting immediate financial support from HEP, which has been operational for less than one year, is unrealistic, particularly given the progress already achieved.

During the 2025 season alone, HEP implemented numerous rider-requested changes, including:

• A more compact schedule with reduced inactivity between rounds
• A calendar running from April to October to accommodate SuperEnduro
• Introduction of Youth, Senior, and Women’s World Cup categories
• A more professional paddock environment
• Dedicated press conferences at every round
• Rider autograph sessions to increase public engagement
• Inclusion of events with significantly larger audiences and participation
• A 2026 calendar featuring events with over 1,000 participants, expanding the sport’s reach

“Many of the changes riders asked for have already been delivered in under a year,” Whitehead said. “That level of progress doesn’t happen instantly, but it shows clear intent and commitment.”

HEP has also been in discussions with major factory teams and has committed to addressing cost related concerns where realistically possible, including accommodation, entry fees, and selected logistical efficiencies.

WERA’s contradictory position

There are also contradictions within WERA’s public position. Financial viability is cited as a primary concern, yet riders are willing to travel intercontinentally for events such as the Tennessee Knock Out while declining XL Lagares in Portugal, an event within close proximity for the predominantly European paddock.

“Those kinds of inconsistencies make it difficult to treat certain arguments as universal,” Whitehead noted. “We need objective discussions based on the full picture, not selective comparisons.”

One of the association’s own leading riders has acknowledged that: “riders felt unheard for years now” In that context, placing responsibility on HEP, after less than one year of involvement, is unfair, especially when we have had regular rider feedback sessions on the future of the sport.

“We inherited a complex situation and stepped in to keep the championship alive,” Whitehead said. “In a short time, we’ve made meaningful progress, but building a sustainable World Championship takes time, cooperation, and patience from everyone involved.”

Having held extensive discussions with numerous factory teams and event organisers prior to the release of the riders’ association statement, Hard Enduro Promotions is confident that teams will contest the full 2026 FIM Hard Enduro World Championship calendar.

“We have had open and constructive conversations with teams and organisers across the championship,” Whitehead concluded.

“There is strong alignment around the importance of a complete World Championship calendar, and we are confident in full participation throughout the 2026 season.”

Hard Enduro Promotions stands firmly behind the 2026 FIM Hard Enduro World Championship calendar and looks forward to delivering a successful, competitive, and progressive 2026 championship for riders, teams, organisers, partners, and fans worldwide. We also remain open to structured, constructive dialogue with riders and teams to ensure the championship continues to evolve responsibly and sustainably.

Photo Credit: Future7Media