2026 FIM Hard Enduro World Championship Calendar Revealed
The nine-round 2026 FIM Hard Enduro World Championship (HEWC) calendar has been officially unveiled, showcasing a refreshed, globally balanced season that spans the core enduro months and brings both exciting new additions and the return of iconic events.
Moving into its second season under new promoters and direction, the HEWC heads into 2026 with renewed confidence. The calendar spreads neatly across the northern hemisphere’s prime riding window, while also making a notable return to Southern Africa, effectively coming back to the region for the second time with the legendary Roof of Africa.
A Strong Mix of New and Classic Events
Three new races join the championship in 2026, alongside the welcome return of a fan-favourite and several established hard enduro pillars. France’s Alestrem makes its long-anticipated debut as the season opener, Sweden welcomes the championship for the first time, and Italy hosts a second new round near Genoa, giving the country a double dose of hard enduro action.
These highlights are complemented by the return of Extreme Lagares, a revisit to the widely praised Silver Kings in the USA, and classics such as Sea to Sky and Hixpania, ensuring a demanding and diverse championship from start to finish.
Three New Races & One Old Favourite
The 2026 campaign kicks off in southern France with the 24MX Alestrem Hard Enduro from April 17–19. Long regarded as a rider favourite, Alestrem steps into a prime early-season slot and marks the first-ever FIM Hard Enduro World Championship round on French soil.
From there, the series heads to Portugal for Extreme XL Lagares on May 1–3. Once famous for its dramatic street prologue through Porto, Lagares returns to the world championship stage, much to the delight of riders and fans alike.
In June, the championship crosses the Atlantic for Silver Kings Hard Enduro in Idaho, USA. After a successful debut season, the event is expected to be even stronger in 2026, giving North American riders another opportunity to challenge the regular HEWC contenders on home terrain.
July sees the championship return to Europe for the first of two Italian rounds, with Abestone Rodeo Miravalle on July 10–12. Traditionally held at Abetone, the event moves to a new venue while retaining its technical alpine character.
August introduces a historic first, as the HEWC travels to Scandinavia for Forza Orza in Sweden on August 20–22, expanding the championship’s geographical reach despite a clash with the Tennessee Knockout.
Italy hosts its second round of the season on September 11–13 with Wild Woods Extreme, held near Genoa and marking the third new race on the 2026 calendar.
Earlier Roof of Africa and a Return to Southern Africa
One of the most significant shifts in the 2026 calendar is the proposed move of the Roof of Africa to September 23–26. Traditionally held in November, the iconic event is provisionally set for an earlier date, pending final confirmation. Its inclusion marks the championship’s return to Southern Africa for the second time, reaffirming the global stature of the series and the importance of the legendary Lesotho event.
The season then continues with the navigation-heavy Sea to Sky in Turkey from October 8–10, before concluding with Hixpania in Spain on October 23–25, once again providing a brutal and fitting finale to the championship.
2026 FIM Hard Enduro World Championship Calendar
- Round 1: Alestrem, France – April 17–19
- Round 2: Extreme Lagares, Portugal – May 1–3
- Round 3: Silver Kings, USA – June 18–20
- Round 4: Abestone Rodeo Miravalle, Italy – July 10–12
- Round 5: Forza Orza, Sweden – August 20–22
- Round 6: Wild Woods Extreme, Italy – September 11–13
- Round 7: Roof of Africa, Lesotho – September 23–26
- Round 8: Sea to Sky, Turkey – October 8–10
- Round 9: Hixpania, Spain – October 23–25
“Our goal for 2026 was clear: build a compact, world-class calendar that works for riders, teams and organisers, and gives fans an unforgettable season. With nine rounds across some of the most iconic and demanding terrain on the planet, we believe this is a big step forward for the series.”
Speaking on the announcement, HEWC Championship Director Ross Whitehead said:
With new destinations, revitalised classics, and a return to Southern Africa, the 2026 FIM Hard Enduro World Championship promises one of its most compelling and competitive seasons to date.