Brightmore Brothers Deliver Strong Opening Round for X-GRIP GASGAS Racing Team

The X-GRIP GASGAS Racing Team got its 2026 FIM Hard Enduro World Championship campaign underway with a strong and consistent performance at the opening round in 24MX Alestrem, France.

For Ashton and Mitch Brightmore, the first goal of the season was clear: start the nine-round championship with solid points and build momentum from round one. On that front, the British duo delivered exactly what the team needed.

Fast from the start in France

Before the main race, riders first faced the Xtrem Test and the Minerva Prologue, both crucial in shaping the weekend and determining start positions for the final event.

In the 15-minute Xtrem Test, both GASGAS riders made an immediate impression. Mitch Brightmore finished an excellent third, while Ashton Brightmore secured seventh, showing early pace against the world’s best.

Strong prologue from both brothers

Saturday’s Minerva Prologue followed a SuperEnduro-style format, with up to ten riders on track at once through qualifying heats, semi-finals, and a 15-minute final.

Both Brightmore brothers progressed confidently through every stage to reach the final, where they once again showed strong pace and racecraft. Ashton crossed the line in third, while Mitch narrowly missed victory, finishing second behind the reigning SuperEnduro World Champion.

It was a clear sign that both riders were ready to fight at the front.

Tough conditions in the main event

The main race brought a completely different challenge: a brutal three-lap forest race with a maximum duration of four hours, made even harder by weather that shifted from sunshine to heavy rain.

Mitch made a strong start to the race but suffered a heavy crash that damaged his exhaust pipe. The problem had to be fixed during the mandatory three-minute service stop, costing valuable time. Ashton, on the other hand, avoided major incidents, but like the rest of the field, he had to deal with a course that became increasingly slippery and difficult as conditions worsened.

Despite those setbacks, both riders managed the race well. Ashton stayed composed and secured seventh place, delivering a measured ride that gives him a solid base for the season. Mitch, even with an injured leg after his crash and the bike issue to manage, pushed through to finish sixth, collecting important championship points.

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A solid foundation for the season

Overall, it was a strong first weekend for the X-GRIP GASGAS Racing Team.

After round one, Mitch Brightmore sits fourth in the championship standings, with Ashton Brightmore in fifth. Ashton also leaves France as the leader of the Junior Championship, adding another positive note to the team’s opening-round performance.

It may only be the beginning of the season, but X-GRIP leaves Alestrem with exactly what every team wants after the opener: speed, points, and momentum.