Brightmore brothers shine again as X-GRIP GASGAS Racing Team impresses at XL Lagares

Strong weekend for X-GRIP GASGAS in Portugal

The second round of the 2026 FIM Hard Enduro World Championship brought the riders to Extreme XL Lagares in Portugal, one of the most demanding stops on the calendar. This year, the event came with a new format, with points awarded across all three days, adding even more intensity to an already brutal weekend.

For the X-GRIP GASGAS Racing Team, represented by brothers Mitch and Ashton Brightmore, it turned into a strong and highly competitive outing from start to finish.

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Smart start in the Endurocode Stage

The weekend began with the Endurocode Stage, a 60-kilometre time trial with 13 checkpoints. Both riders chose a measured approach, avoiding unnecessary risks and saving energy for the tougher races still to come.

That strategy paid off with Mitch Brightmore taking eighth place, while Ashton Brightmore set the 14th fastest time.

Night Super Special adds more action

Later that same evening, the action moved to Peñafiel for the Night Super Special, a head-to-head race mixing forest sections with technical urban obstacles. Besides putting on a show for the fans, the race also decided the starting order for the following day.

Ashton delivered a solid ride to finish 11th, while Mitch crossed the line in 15th.

Mitch fights for the podium, Ashton scores big in Junior

Saturday’s Extreme Penafiel Race was a brutal 120-kilometre test of endurance and skill, and both Brightmore brothers were again right in the mix.

Mitch Brightmore spent much of the race battling close to the podium positions before eventually finishing fifth overall, collecting valuable championship points.

Ashton Brightmore came home in 13th overall, but also secured second place in the Junior classification, adding another nine points to his tally.

Big final race for both brothers

Sunday’s final race brought the weekend to a close on a punishing 5-kilometre loop, raced over two hours plus one lap. Both riders showed strong pace throughout, regularly running inside the top seven.

Ashton was locked in a long battle for sixth place, while also pushing hard in the Junior class. Up front, Mitch was riding in second place, closing the gap to the leader and applying pressure at the very front of the race.

After nine laps and nearly two and a half hours of racing, Ashton finished seventh overall and second in Junior. It was an important result, especially as it allowed him to successfully defend his lead in the 2026 Junior World Championship standings after two rounds.

Mitch, meanwhile, delivered one of his strongest rides of the season so far, taking second overall and staying within touching distance of multiple world champion Manuel Lettenbichler throughout the race.

Riders happy with the result

Both riders were satisfied with what they achieved in Portugal.

“The result is solid. Even though I lost a few points, I was able to defend my lead in the Junior classification of the FIM Hard Enduro World Championship. The equipment and support from the X-GRIP Racing Team were once again top-notch,” said Ashton Brightmore.

“I’m very happy with my GASGAS and was able to show my best riding—the countless fans along the track were incredible!” added Mitch Brightmore.

Eyes now on Erzberg and Silver Kings

After a strong showing in Portugal, the X-GRIP GASGAS Racing Team now turns its attention to the next big challenges of the season. Up first is the iconic Erzberg Rodeo, before the championship continues in the USA at Silver Kings Hard Enduro, scheduled for June 18–20.

Foto: @RadioPaddok