EnduroGP set for most competitive season yet with world-class line-up

The countdown to the opening round of the 2026 Paulo Duarte FIM EnduroGP World Championship is firmly on, with the EnduroGP category set to be the most competitive yet.

As momentum quickly builds ahead of the season opener in Sicily, Italy, next week, riders and teams are now poised for what’s expected to become a fiercely contested seven-round EnduroGP season.

A strong entry in the premier EnduroGP category will see 33 riders from 11 nations roll off the start line in Custonaci. Impressively, of those 33 riders, 13 hold an incredible 45 world titles between them. Furthermore, all EnduroGP world champions crowned since 2017, and all Junior Enduro world champions crowned since 2022, will race for EnduroGP honours in Sicily and the 2026 Paulo Duarte FIM EnduroGP World Championship.

Additionally, 11 manufacturers will be represented, which includes Electric Power Vehicles (EPV) for the first time with Stark Future, making EnduroGP one of the most heavily supported championships on the FIM racing calendar.

Garcia heads stellar EnduroGP class line-up for 2026

As always, the opening round of an EnduroGP season is an exciting time. It’s when questions regarding rider, team and machinery changes are quickly answered. Approaching the GP of Italy, this off-season has seen a multitude of shakeups from the very best enduro riders in the world, while others have opted to keep to the same programme that’s worked for them in the past.

As the defending FIM EnduroGP World Champion, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Josep Garcia is one rider who’s notably decided on the latter option ahead of the 2026 season. The Spaniard has proved to be the rider to beat for the last two seasons, showing himself to be completely at home with his KTM team and 250 four-stroke. With ambitions of claiming an EnduroGP hat-trick firmly on his mind, don’t expect him to back off the throttle anytime soon.

However, he has company under the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing awning, with Italy’s Andrea Verona moving from GASGAS to KTM for the coming season as his new teammate. Yes, KTM and GASGAS are sister brands, so it might not be seen as a major move for the 2025 EnduroGP vice-champion, but it’s one that will still require adapting to.

Now pitted directly with one of his greatest sporting rivals, it will be interesting to see how that relationship is managed during the entirety of a season. With the GP of Italy marking a home round for the Italian, there’s no doubt Verona will be determined to impress in his new colours, too.

2025 was a breakthrough year for France’s Zach Pichon. Winning at the season opener and then going on to challenge both Garcia and Verona for EnduroGP honours showed that the TM MOTO Boano Factory Team rider is a serious force to be reckoned with. With 2026 marking his second year on TM MOTO, the Frenchman will be pushing hard from the off as he bids for his first senior world title.

Freeman and Holcombe return to racing

A major talking point heading into round one is the return of two of EnduroGP’s most decorated riders. Beta Factory Racing’s Brad Freeman, and now Sherco Racing Factory-mounted Steve Holcombe are back racing, having both sat out 2025 with knee injuries.

With 10 world titles to his name, Freeman is fired up to add to that tally in 2026. Sticking with his tried and trusted Beta 300 two-stroke, he will be looking to get right back into the EnduroGP mix in Sicily. With pre-season races in Italy delivering winning results, the Brit appears on form to do just that.

Holcombe returns to EnduroGP in 2026 with a whole new look and renewed determination. By joining Sherco Racing Factory, he’s also switched from four-stroke to two-stroke machinery. The 300 two-stroke delivered so much success for the nine-time champ in the past, and Holcombe is keen to showcase that again.

New Zealand’s Hamish MacDonald also weighs into the 2026 EnduroGP title fight having clinched the Enduro3 championship last year. The Sherco Racing Factory rider picked up multiple podiums and a string of top-four results in EnduroGP, proving he’s ready to get deeper into that overall battle.

World-class depth of talent present

Outside of the six major players in EnduroGP, the line-up is brimming with talent, podium contenders and riders targeting a breakthrough season. The Italian duo of Honda Racing RedMoto Enduro Team’s Samuele Bernardini and Triumph Italia Racing’s Morgan Lesiardo both found their way onto the EnduroGP podium in 2025, while Triumph Factory Racing’s new signing for 2026, Jeremy Sydow, was another first-time podium finisher last year too.

Factoring in stalwarts, Antoine Magain (Sherco Racing Factory), Nathan Watson (Beta Factory Racing), Theo Espinasse (Fantic Racing) and Marc Sans (Stark Future), plus Junior world champions from 2025-2023, Axel Semb (KR69 WET Team), Max Ahlin (Honda Racing RedMoto Enduro Team) and Jed Etchells (MotoFit Racing), ensures the EnduroGP class is stacked with a wealth of world-class talent for 2026.

The seven-round Paulo Duarte FIM EnduroGP World Championship begins in 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