James Moore is the 2026 FIM Junior Hard Enduro World Champion, sealing the title at the final round of the season at Hixpania in Spain after a tense showdown with Ashton Brightmore.
The Beta rider entered Sunday with just one point separating the two Junior title contenders, meaning the equation was simple: finish ahead and take the championship.
Moore Fights Back After Early Crash
The final day did not start perfectly for Moore. An early crash cost him positions and forced him into recovery mode, but he quickly found his rhythm and began working his way back through the field.
Moore eventually won the Junior class and secured the world title, completing an impressive season that also saw him finish fifth overall in the Senior World Championship standings.
James Moore: “What an incredible way to end the World Championship season! Hixpania was an extraordinary weekend from start to finish, one I’ll never forget. Ahead of the final day, the Junior World Championship was wide open, with just one point separating me from Ashton Brightmore. It was do-or-die, and whoever finished ahead would take the title. I didn’t get off to the best start – I crashed straight away and lost ground – but I managed to find my rhythm, fight my way back up the field and win the Junior class, clinching the world title! Crossing the finish line was a special moment after a battle that went down to the very last round. Finishing fifth overall in the Senior World Championship makes it all the more special. I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who has supported me on this journey. None of this would have been possible without you. Junior World Champion: what a fantastic feeling!”
Thomas Scales Completes a Strong Junior Season
Beta had more reason to celebrate in the Junior category, with Thomas Scales finishing third in the final Junior World Championship standings.
Together with Moore’s title, it gave the team two riders on the final championship podium after a season-long fight at the front.
Sandra Gomez Crowned Women’s World Champion
There was also a major result in the Women’s category, where Sandra Gomez secured the overall world title.
For Gomez, the achievement carries significance beyond the championship itself, especially for the next generation of female Hard Enduro riders.
Sandra Gomez: “I think it’s also very important for our sport, and for young girls, to see that there’s a future where they can grow and thrive.”
A Big Finish for Beta
Team leader Alfredo Gomez was delighted with the championship results despite dealing with his own physical difficulties during Hixpania.
Alfredo Gomez: “I’m really happy for my lads because we’ve ended the season in the best possible way. For me, it was a difficult race because of the pain in my knee.”
With Moore taking the Junior crown, Scales finishing third and Sandra Gomez securing the Women’s title, Hixpania delivered a memorable end to the 2026 season for Beta.
