The FIM Hard Enduro World Championship (HEWC) has formally confirmed the introduction of the FIM Hard Enduro Women’s World Cup, marking a significant step toward expanding female participation, visibility and competitive opportunity within one of motorsport’s most demanding disciplines.
With the minimum requirement of five registered riders already met for the 2026 season, the Women’s World Cup is officially validated and will be contested across all eligible championship rounds.
A unified classification and flexible championship structure
At the core of the confirmed structure is a single Women’s World Cup classification per event. All female riders registered and eligible for the Women’s World Cup will compete on one unified points table, regardless of whether they enter the Gold, Silver or Bronze class at a given event.
Under the adopted framework:
- Riders who finish a more demanding class will be ranked ahead of riders finishing a less demanding class.
- Finishing remains the fundamental sporting requirement for classification.
- Points are awarded from the final Women’s World Cup results table using the standard FIM scoring structure.
Importantly, all championship rounds are eligible to score points, but for the final Women’s World Cup standings, only each rider’s best six results will count.
This structure:
- Provides flexibility where financial or logistical constraints may prevent attendance at every round, in a category where athlete sponsorships are still expanding.
- Allows riders to recover from an isolated, difficult event.
- Supports sustainable participation across a demanding international calendar, while most athletes hold day jobs.
Each round will publish a dedicated Women’s classification integrated into official standings, event communications and post-race reporting.
Development measures under discussion
In parallel with the competitive structure, the championship is progressing discussions around practical development initiatives aimed at supporting participation and long-term growth.
These conversations, currently taking place between HEWC management, Ross Whitehead, athletes including Sandra Gómez, event organisers and FIM representatives, include:
- Entry support incentives
- Dedicated pre-event training sessions
- Women-focused training camps
These measures remain subject to coordination with organisers and the FIM and will be introduced progressively where feasible.
Why are we expanding?
Across motorsport, the evidence is clear: when championships and governing bodies create structured, well-communicated platforms, women do not just participate, they thrive.
In disciplines ranging from rally and motocross to circuit racing and off-road series, clearly defined women’s classifications have consistently delivered more than sporting success. They have unlocked new audiences, attracted long-term commercial partners and created legacy stories that extend beyond individual events.
Crucially, these successes have come when recognition is visible and consistent, rather than informal or inconsistent from race to race. As highlighted by athletes involved in shaping the structure, the long-term success of the Women’s World Cup depends on translating ambition into action:
“Often involving women is just words. Making this public, and making the championship accountable to what it says it will do, is what turns intention into reality.” – Sandra Gomez
Looking Ahead
HEWC is actively exploring the introduction of a dedicated commercial partner to support the Women’s World Cup, ensuring the category receives focused visibility, promotional backing and sustainable development resources.
The Women’s World Cup represents a natural evolution of the FIM Hard Enduro World Championship, aligning with wider efforts across motorsport to create inclusive, future-focused pathways for elite athletes.
With rider consultation underway and strong interest from across the paddock, HEWC will continue working closely with the FIM, national federations, organisers and athletes to finalise implementation and deliver a consistent, recognised championship platform.
Further updates will be communicated as discussions progress.
ABOUT HEWC
The FIM Hard Enduro World Championship unites the world’s toughest off-road motorcycle races into one global series. Born from legendary events like the Roof of Africa and other iconic hard enduros, it brings together professional and amateur riders on the same demanding terrain, celebrating endurance, camaraderie, and adventure. Sanctioned by the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) and promoted by Hard Enduro Promotions Marketing Management LLC, HEWC showcases the full potential of hard enduro as a modern, global motorsport platform.
ABOUT THE FIM
The FIM (Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme), founded in 1904, is the global governing body for motorcycle sport and the worldwide advocate for motorcycling. Recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the FIM oversees a wide range of world championships including MotoGP, Superbike, Motocross, Trial, Enduro, Cross-Country Rallies, Speedway, and Hard Enduro, while also working in areas such as public affairs, road safety, and touring.
Media Contact
Adam Nunn
Media Manager, FIM Hard Enduro World Championship
📧 adam@fim-hardenduro.com