(EN) Hard Enduro World Ranking: First Race, First Points, First Successes

July 28 - August 1, 2026 Edition 23

Vienna / Sibiu, March 27, 2026 – Less than two months after the launch of the Hard Enduro World Ranking, the concept developed by masterminds Karl Katoch and Martin Freinademetz is proving highly convincing on every level. As of the end of March 2026, the Hard Enduro World Ranking already features 24 races in 19 countries across 4 continents. The first points of the season were awarded at the Grinding Stone Hard Enduro in the USA.

With the Grinding Stone Hard Enduro held last weekend in Page, Arizona (USA), the first event of the Hard Enduro World Ranking is now officially in the books, and the inaugural points have been distributed. As a Masters category race, the winner received 500 Hard Enduro World Ranking points. These historic first points were claimed by KTM rider Trystan Hart from Canada, who prevailed over Spanish rider Mario Roman at this event, which also served as round 3 of the AMA National Hard Enduro Championship. Roman was awarded 400 ranking points, while American Ryder Leblond secured 350 points for third place. Hart thus becomes the first rider to lead the 2026 ranking. The full current ranking is available on the official website at enduroworldranking.com/season-ranking.

Photo - Owen Gorsuch@o.goillustrated

Please note that at the end of the year, only a rider’s best 8 results will count toward the final standings.

The “Grinding Stone Hard Enduro,” organized by the Rockstars Motorcycle Club under Jim Flynn, was held for the sixth time this year. For the first time ever, the event recorded over 300 entries. We extend our warmest congratulations to Jim Flynn and Matt Musgrove, Promoter and Series Director of the entire AMA US Hard Enduro Series (USHE), on this outstanding success.

The Hard Enduro World Ranking has set itself the goal of professionalizing our sport, increasing its visibility, and making it fairer and more transparent — while fully unlocking its potential for all stakeholders. Riders, organizers, spectators, and the industry alike are set to benefit in multiple tangible ways. By participating in the Hard Enduro World Ranking, events gain global visibility and relevance. Riders are automatically and completely free of charge included in the ranking, thereby receiving global exposure and a fair, transparent basis for international comparison.

24 races in 19 countries across 4 continents — these figures will continue to grow, as registration remains open worldwide for events taking place later in 2026. The more races per country that join the Hard Enduro World Ranking, the easier it becomes for national riders to collect valuable ranking points.

The masterminds behind the Hard Enduro World Ranking expressed their delight at the strong start to the season:

Karl Katoch: “We are extremely pleased with the positive response we have received from all sides — from riders, organizers, and the industry alike. All signs indicate that our concept for the Hard Enduro World Ranking, built on 30 years of experience, is spot on.”

Martin Freinademetz adds: “The first race was also a success in terms of result transmission. There is certainly still some technical fine-tuning to be done here and there — but we are listening closely, gathering all feedback, and will consistently implement the necessary improvements.”

From day one, the Hard Enduro World Ranking has been committed to transparency, fairness, and open communication at an organizational level as well. To give all stakeholders in Hard Enduro a voice, an expert working group is being established, composed of representatives from the following groups: elite athletes (WERA), young talents, the motorcycle industry, race organizers, and governing bodies such as the FIM, AMA, and others. The first meeting of this working group is already in preparation and will be held as a public online broadcast.

Positive discussions have also taken place with Robbie Hunter of Hard Enduro Promotions Marketing Management LLC, the promoter of the Hard Enduro World Championship (HEWC). Hunter has expressed his desire for both the Red Bull Erzbergrodeo and Red Bull Romaniacs to remain part of the HEWC in 2026. While the lead time for the Erzbergrodeo is too short, Martin Freinademetz is currently engaged in concrete talks with Hunter regarding the participation of the Romaniacs.

The second race of the season will already take place on March 28, 2026: the Reetzer Hardenduro in Reetz, Germany, which falls into the “Challenger” category. In the classic format of prologue, group races, and final, the next Hard Enduro World Ranking points will be up for grabs. The Reetzer Hardenduro also serves as round 2 of the “auner Hardenduro Series Germany.”