The FIM Hard Enduro World Championship confirms the introduction of a Youth World Cup category for the 2026 season, a new classification designed to recognise and support the next generation of extreme enduro riders aged 14 to 20 years old.
The Youth World Cup provides young competitors with a structured platform to compete, develop their skills, and gain international experience within the professional environment of a FIM-sanctioned world championship.
By creating a dedicated youth ranking, HEWC continues its commitment to building the future of the sport while giving emerging riders the opportunity to measure themselves against their peers across the full championship calendar.
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 must compete on motorcycles with a maximum engine capacity of 150cc, in accordance with the technical regulations for the Youth category.
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.
Building the Next Generation
The Youth World Cup reflects the rapid growth of Hard Enduro among younger riders worldwide.
By competing alongside experienced professionals and amateur riders in the same event environment, youth competitors gain exposure to the technical challenges, race formats, and intensity that define the sport at the highest level.
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.”
By competing within the environment of a FIM World Championship, young riders gain exposure not only to the world’s toughest races but also to the wider professional ecosystem of the sport. This includes opportunities to connect with leading teams, attract sponsorship support, and build relationships with agents, media and industry partners.
Many of today’s top riders began competing in Hard Enduro at a young age. The Youth World Cup ensures that the next generation now has a recognised platform to begin that journey.
How to Enter
Register for the 2026 FIM Hard Enduro World Championship with your valid FIM License.
Competed in one or more championship rounds.
Points and Classification
- 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.
Annex
The Youth World Cup classification operates as a single unified ranking across all rider classes (Gold, Silver, Bronze).
This 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 (common in Hard Enduro), 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.
Words and Images FIM HEWC
