Why Josep Garcia is fast becoming the most dominant EnduroGP rider of his generation

Becoming the 2026 FIM EnduroGP World Champion at the penultimate round of the Paulo Duarte FIM EnduroGP World Championship further cements Josep Garcia as the most dominant rider of his generation.

Entering this year’s Paulo Duarte FIM EnduroGP World Championship as the defending EnduroGP World Champion, the target was firmly on the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing rider’s back as he began his run for a third consecutive overall title.

Naturally, pre-season questions centred around whether Josep would continue to hold his place at the top of the EnduroGP standings.

With numerous riders chopping and changing programs, and others returning to a full bill of health, it was asked if these factors would see his rivals bridge the gap to the KTM rider and result in an even tighter title fight than we’ve seen in previous years.

But right from the off, Josep was quick to silence any doubters.

A dominant victory on the opening day at round one in Italy showed he meant business. And by backing that up with third place the following day, he left Sicily as the championship leader and would never be truly challenged.

So far, out of six rounds and 12 race days, Josep has topped the EnduroGP podium at least once at every round, while claiming a double victory in Spain and at the GP of Portugal II.

His 100 per cent podium streak of eight wins, three second place finishes and that third overall on day two in Italy culminated in him clinching the EnduroGP title last time out at the Polisport GP of France.

To win the coveted EnduroGP crown with a round to spare is something no rider of his generation has been able to accomplish before.

However, in addition to his hat trick of EnduroGP titles, it’s his current tally of 48 EnduroGP victories that is beginning to truly set him apart from the rest of the field.

With a monumental 20 EnduroGP wins more than his nearest competitor, Steve Holcombe, what Josep is achieving on track is nothing short of incredible.

And while the atmosphere in Saint-Agrève was electric, those achievements were evident to see by the sheer joy on Josep’s face when he completed the final special test on day two as champion.

Winning his eighth and ninth world title — he also swept the Enduro1 class — the celebrations erupted and his emotions flowed out. All the hard work and sacrifices made along the way had paid off, yet again.

It’s an understatement to say that 2026 has been an incredible season for Josep. Arguably one of his best, even if it’s one that’s not even fully completed yet.

With the season finale, Forsiteservices GP of Wales, still to come on 7-9 August, we can be sure of more standout out performances from our 2026 FIM EnduroGP World Champion as he puts the finishing touches to a dominant year.

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