The penultimate event of the EnduroGB season takes place this weekend, as the Castle Hill Estate in Devon provides the backdrop for a number of fierce battles for the 2026 class championship honours.
Words by ACU – Images courtesy of Gary Jones Photography
The Devon 2 Day Enduro makes up rounds 9 and 10 of this year’s ACU series and is being expertly organised by the Enduro4One club. A compact route at Filleigh near Barnstaple will provide three different tests: Enduro, Motocross and Cross Country.
Riders will complete multiple laps of a short loop and a spectator-friendly SuperTest will kick the action off on Friday night at 18.00. Entry is free.
Championship Manager Neil Hawker is relishing the opportunity to see how riders get to grips with a revised event format this weekend.
“Things are going to be different to what we’ve had at other events this season,” he explained. “The focus will be very much on three different tests and some riders will benefit in one or two but not necessarily across all three.
“It will be a short lap and rider endurance will be key to a good result because of the multi-lap format. I’m looking forward to seeing how our riders and teams adjust to things.”
With only four point-scoring opportunities remaining – two in Devon and two at the final event in Mid Wales – the race for title honours is reaching a critical stage.
READ MORE: ENDUROGB NEWS
While Jed Etchells, Nieve Holmes and Ceri Wyn-Jones enjoy healthy leads in the Elite, Elite Women, and Clubman Women classes respectively, things are not so clear cut elsewhere.
A testament to the super-competitive series, only two points separate the top-two riders in the Expert Vet O35 and Clubman Vet O40 classes. The gap between first and second in Clubman is six points, while only four points separate the leading pair in Clubman O50.
The battle for silverware in the Expert class is set to be particularly fierce. Kris Price leads the way on his Beta machine, but he’s only two points ahead of Henry Life (KTM) and a further four points clear of Josh Lawer (KTM).
At only 18-year-old, Lawer is the youngest of the title-chasing trio and heads to Devon with plenty to play for. He believes his current position gives him licence to attack.
“I’m sitting third, so there isn’t masses to lose,” the Cornish rider said. “The boys in front have probably got a bit more pressure on them. For me, it’s a case of pushing hard, trying to get some good points and seeing where that leaves us.”
Lawer has been encouraged by the performances he’s put in on his 125cc KTM this year, a bike that has less bottom and top-end power against bigger machines. His only mistake came when a timing error cost valuable points on the first day of the Rieju Yorkshire Enduro.
“I’m pretty happy with how I’ve been riding overall,” he said. “I made a silly mistake with my timing in Yorkshire which dropped me back and meant I could only score seven points on day one, but it’s pleasing to know my other performances have kept me in touch with Kris and Henry.”
His title rivals are guaranteed to provide formidable opposition this weekend, and Lawer knows there will be little margin for error in North Devon where the multi-lap format will place extra emphasis on rider stamina.
“They’re both going to be tough to beat,” he confirmed. “Kris and Henry are both very handy riders and they’ll be just as keen as I am to get a good result. It will be hard and intense doing lots of compact laps. My focus is on trying to make the most of every test and showing a high level of endurance.”
Adding to the spectacle at the Devon Two Day Enduro will be an appearance by British Youth Enduro Championship riders for the first time at an EnduroGB event in 2026.
The series will be hosting its third round of the season at the Castle Hill Estate. Neil Hawker said: “With our route being run entirely on private land, it’s fantastic that we can welcome the future stars of our sport and showcase their riding talents alongside our talented EnduroGB field.”
The event will also benefit from an appearance by multiple Enduro world champion, and runner-up in this year’s FIM EnduroGP E3 class, Brad Freeman.
He’ll be riding his familiar Beta machine and arrives fresh from his podium appearances at EnduroGP of Wales.
Start List
