Competitive season ahead for Expotrade FIM Women’s Enduro World Championship

Excitement builds for the Expotrade FIM Women’s Enduro World Championship as riders gear up for the 2026 EnduroGP season opener in Sicily, Italy.

With the beginning of the Paulo Duarte FIM EnduroGP World Championship just days away, the quiet town of Custonaci in Sicily is becoming a centre point for the world’s best enduro riders. The GP of Italy will see the much-anticipated EnduroGP race season get underway, including the Expotrade FIM Women’s Enduro World Championship.

Scheduled over five rounds of the seven-round EnduroGP 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.

In total, 14 riders 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.

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 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).

Round one of the Expotrade FIM Women’s Enduro World Championship takes place alongside the Paulo Duarte FIM EnduroGP World Championship season opener in Custonaci, Sicily, Italy, on 10-12 April.

For the complete GP of Italy pre-entry list visit: endurogp.com

2026 Paulo Duarte FIM EnduroGP World Championship

Round 1: GP of Italy – Custonaci, Sicily – 10-12 April
Round 2: GP of Spain – Oliana – 1-3 May
Round 3: GP of Finland – Vierumäki, Salpausselkä – 22-24 May
Round 4: GP of Portugal – Fafe – 12-14 June
Round 5: GP of Portugal II – Fafe – 19-21 June
Round 6: GP of France – Saint-Agrève – 17-19 July
Round 7: GP of Wales – Rhayader – 7-9 August

2026 Expotrade FIM Women’s Enduro World Championship
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