The FIM Hard Enduro World Championship confirms the introduction of a Youth World Cup category for the 2026 season, a new classification designed for the next generation of extreme enduro riders aged 14-to-20-years old.

The HEWC organisers say the idea behind the new Youth World Cup category is to “build the future of the sport while giving emerging riders the opportunity to measure themselves against their peers across the full championship calendar.”

Many top riders began competing in Hard Enduro at a young age, and the Junior category is already proving the value in all the above with riders like the Brightmore brothers and James Moore emerging as contenders. We can also see clearly the same in SuperEnduro where the Youth World Cup has established itself firmly in just two seasons. 

The Youth World Cup will do the same but opens things up to an even younger age group of male and female riders to compete alongside professionals, build experience at the highest level, and to build professional relationships in the sport with leading teams, sponsors and the media.

Format and Eligibility

  • The Youth World Cup is open to riders aged 14 to 20 years old on the day of the event.
  • To compete, riders must:
  • Hold a valid FIM Enduro License
  • Register for the FIM Hard Enduro World Championship or Youth World Cup classification
  • Enter one or more championship rounds
  • Youth riders compete within their chosen race class (Gold, Silver or Bronze), with their finishing position among other youth riders determining their World Cup points.
  • This structure allows young riders to compete within the full race environment while being ranked against riders in the same age category.
  • The Youth World Cup events are staged on private land or officially closed roads, in accordance with FIM regulations (so no road vehicle license required).
  • Up to a maximum of 150cc bike capacity.

Ross Whitehead, HEWC Championship Director, emphasised the importance of investing in young talent:

“Hard Enduro has always been about community support. With the Youth World Cup we want to support the next generation of riders who are already showing incredible ability and passion for the sport. Giving them a platform within the world championship environment is an important step for the future of Hard Enduro.”

How the points system will work

The Youth World Cup uses the official HEWC points system, awarding points to the top 15 eligible youth finishers at each round. Points are assigned based on finishing position among other Youth World Cup riders, regardless of race class. Standings are updated after each round and published on the official HEWC results page.

As with the other World Cup categories, the final championship classification is determined by each rider’s best six results from the season.

The Youth World Cup classification will operate as a single unified ranking across all rider classes (Gold, Silver, Bronze), which means:

  • All eligible riders aged 14–20 will be ranked together, regardless of race class.
  • Riders finishing the more demanding classes will rank above those finishing easier classes.
  • Within each class, riders are ranked based on official event results approved by the FIM Jury.
  • Only riders who finish the event are eligible for points.
  • In the event of checkpoint-based classification, youth riders will be ranked accordingly.
  • This structure rewards both performance and perseverance, recognising that Hard Enduro is as much about determination as it is about speed and skill.

 

More information: www.hard-enduro.com