The World Enduro Super Series (WESS) has joined forces with the FIM (Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme) to officially become the FIM Hard Enduro World Championship, for 2021 and beyond. Here is all you need to know:
The new relationship has been built with a single common goal of elevating the global presence of Hard Enduro, which is the discipline the series will now focus solely on, to new heights.
Eight rounds are proposed for 2021, with the series set to feature the most iconic Hard Enduro races in Europe while also travelling to the USA for the Red Bull Tennessee Knockout (TKO), to form a true world championship.
Up to three events are planned to be broadcast live, free to view on Red Bull TV. Furthermore, the championship’s exclusive media partner Red Bull Media House will continue to deliver unrivalled coverage of all eight rounds.
The new world championship will welcome riders of all abilities with events that remain as simple and enjoyable as possible, for all. Amateur riders will remain an integral part of all events where they will continue to compete shoulder-to-shoulder with the Pros.
Each event will feature one podium and one set of results. Professional riders going after the official world title, will need an FIM licence.
The opening round of the inaugural FIM Hard Enduro World Championship is due to take place at Extreme XL Lagares in Portugal on May 7-9.
FIM Hard Enduro World Championship Series Manager, Winfried Kerschhaggl, said: “Following an incredibly busy three years, building and shaping WESS, we’re ready to take the next step as the FIM Hard Enduro World Championship. The FIM will provide independent technical and sporting regulations for all Pro Riders, which will allow all manufacturers and professional athletes to participate under neutral, independent governance, while also awarding an FIM World Championship title – the highest recognised accolade within motorcycle sport. Importantly, we have been able to secure the continued integration of amateurs in all races. All amateur riders will compete following respective event regulations. With the full support of the FIM we look forward to further celebrating the world’s best Hard Enduro riders, while also supporting and recognising the efforts and ambitions of our amateur heroes. Together with the FIM we move into 2021 with confidence and enthusiasm and look forward to ongoing exciting racing.”
FIM Hard Enduro World Championship 2021 – provisional calendar:
Round 1: Extreme XL Lagares – Portugal, May 7/8/9
Round 2: Red Bull Erzbergrodeo – Austria, June 3/4/5/6
Round 3: TBD – Italy, July 10/11
Round 4: Red Bull Romaniacs – Romania, July 27/28/29/30/31
Round 5: Red Bull TKO – USA, August 13/14/15
Round 6: TBD – Poland, September 18/19
Round 7: Hixpania Hard Enduro – Spain, October 1/2/3
Round 8: GetzenRodeo – Germany, October 29/30
