A double helping of Welsh mud, mines, and misery kicks off 2026 as Valleys Xtreme opens the UK hard enduro season in January, with a second standalone Valleys Hard Enduro event returning in May despite stepping away from the HEWC calendar.

The hard enduro season in the UK looks set for its usual brutal start with the Valleys Xtreme event on January 10–11 in the vast former coal mine in South Wales. Traditionally seen as the unofficial season opener, the event has previously attracted big-name riders including Billy Bolt and Mani Lettenbichler, and entries for 2026 are close to selling out.

Alongside the main race, the schedule includes the Valleys Lite two-hour event designed for hobby riders looking for a less demanding challenge while still soaking up the atmosphere before watching the pro race later in the day.

Second Valleys event lands in May

Wales will get a second helping of hard enduro in 2026 with the Valleys Hard Enduro returning on May 9–10. After hosting the opening round of the Hard Enduro World Championship for the past two seasons, organisers have confirmed to Enduro21 that the 2026 edition will not feature on the HEWC calendar. The race will continue as a standalone event, with entries opening soon.

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Billy Bolt onboard POV 2025 Valleys Xtreme

 

More information:

Valleys Xtreme: www.valleysxtreme.com

Valleys Hard Enduro: www.valleyshardenduro.com

 

Photo credit: Aerial