The world of Hard Enduro racing is about to get its first truly global points system, with the launch of the Hard Enduro World Ranking (HEWR) on 1 February 2026.
Designed to offer riders, organisers, and fans a transparent way to compare performances across the globe, the HEWR evaluates results from major events such as the Red Bull Erzbergrodeo and Red Bull Romaniacs, creating a fair, standardised ranking for athletes competing at the highest level of extreme enduro.
Based in Enzersfeld and Sibiu, the HEWR opens its online registration at enduroworldranking.com for organisers worldwide. To participate, events simply need to be declared a Hard Enduro race, meaning the course must differ significantly from Motocross and Classic Enduro, with technical demands to match. Registration is independent of membership in any existing associations, championships, or racing series.
Each event organiser must complete a digital registration form and upload the necessary documentation. Participating races are categorised into four tiers—Supreme, Premium, Master, and Challenger—based on sporting standards, participant numbers, international representation, number of scoring days, prize money, and media coverage. These classifications are reviewed annually, allowing events to be upgraded, downgraded, or temporarily suspended depending on their compliance with the criteria.
The HEWR points system was developed by Karl Katoch, organiser of Red Bull Erzbergrodeo, and Martin Freinademetz, organiser of Red Bull Romaniacs, and is modelled on the ATP/WTA world rankings in tennis. Riders can compete in any number of events and earn points depending on the race category, with Supreme events awarding 2,000 points to the winner, Premium events 1,200, Master 500, and Challenger 250. Up to 500 riders per event can receive ranking points. After each race, points are automatically updated online, providing a real-time, transparent snapshot of the global rankings.
Race organisers are responsible for uploading results within 48 hours of the event, with Supreme races requiring results within one hour. Each organiser defines how their event’s classes—pro, amateur, senior, or others—are translated into the overall ranking, and only one overall result per event counts toward the HEWR standings.
To incentivise competition, a total prize fund of USD 100,000 will be distributed to the top 10 riders at the end of the 2026 season, with contributions from industry partners. Participation in Premium, Master, and Challenger events is free, while Supreme events pay a USD 25,000 fee to cover administration and prize money distribution.
The HEWR is governed by a working group that ensures fairness and transparency. Voting rights for the group’s composition are held by representatives of the WERA (World Enduro Rider Association), the top 100 HEWR riders, registered race organisers, major motorsport associations, and industry partners contributing at least USD 50,000.
The system provides an open pathway for national and international riders to compete on a level playing field, giving athletes the ability to measure themselves directly against the world’s best, independent of their association or series affiliation. By standardising event classifications, points, and results reporting, the HEWR is designed to grow Hard Enduro into a truly global, transparent sport, recognising top talent while promoting the development of events and athletes worldwide.
With its combination of independent governance, fair points allocation, and collaboration with riders, organisers, and industry partners, the Hard Enduro World Ranking represents a significant step forward for extreme enduro racing. As the 2026 season kicks off, it promises a new era of international comparability, professionalism, and excitement for one of motorsport’s toughest disciplines.
