Home advantage for British riders at EnduroGP of Wales finale
By Team TMX on 5th Aug 26
The EnduroGP of Wales brings the curtain down on the 2026 season this weekend (August 6-9), with a strong British contingent set to capitalise on home advantage in Mid Wales.
Organised by Rhayader Motor Club, the final round of the FIM EnduroGP World Championship will see a 121-rider entry tackle demanding terrain across the forests and hills surrounding Rhayader, with world titles still to be decided.
Proceedings begin with Thursday evening’s opening ceremony in the town centre, followed by Friday’s Akrapovic SuperTest. Two full days of racing will then take place at Cwmythig Hill and Saintswell Enduro Centre.
Leading British hopes is multiple world champion Steve Holcombe, who arrives at his home round at the top of the Enduro3 standings. The Sherco Factory Racing rider has been in dominant form in the second half of the season, winning every completed E3 race day since Portugal to move six points clear of compatriot Brad Freeman.
Holcombe believes familiar conditions could play a key role this weekend.
“It’s nice to have a home GP and it definitely takes the pressure off a little bit because it’s very familiar up there in Wales for me,” he said. “I’ve had a good couple of days’ rest, some good training in similar terrain and I’m feeling really confident.”
While capable of challenging for outright EnduroGP honours, his priority remains the E3 crown.
“The world title is always the main goal,” he added. “After missing two complete days of points earlier in the season, I’m pretty amazed to be leading going into the final round. Now it’s about getting the job done.”
In the Junior Women category, Elizabeth Tett heads into the finale targeting second place in the championship standings. The Electraction TM Moto rider arrives on the back of a strong performance in Portugal and is confident that local knowledge will be an advantage.
“I really want to enjoy the event and do the best I can to get second in the championship,” she said. “I’m familiar with the terrain and come in feeling fresh. The harder and more technical it is, the better it suits me.”
The home entry is further strengthened by wildcard appearances from Jonny Walker and Billy Bolt, both leading contenders in the FIM SuperEnduro World Championship. Their participation adds further intrigue as they switch disciplines for the Welsh finale.
Elsewhere, Aaron Gordon lines up in Enduro1, while Nathan Watson competes in Enduro2. In Enduro3, British interest also includes Charlie Chater, Jed Etchells and Alex Walton.
In the Women’s class, Nieve Holmes and Rosie Rowett will be aiming for strong results, with Rowett currently second in the standings.
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