2026 Welsh Sprint Enduro Championship – Brad Freeman is King of the Hill

Brad Freeman tops enduro world champions guest list including Billy Bolt at the 2026 Welsh Open Sprint Enduro Championship opening round, the King of the Hill Sprint at Cwmythig Hill, Rhayader.

The big billing for special guest Billy Bolt was all the talk ahead of the opening Welsh Sprint of the season at the EnduroGP host venue, Cwmythig Hill track near Rhayader. But that did disservice to a heap of champions heading up the entry list on a weekend packed with riders, families and great racing.

The Husqvarna Factory wasn’t the only star attraction making plans for the EnduroGP of Wales in August, so too were Beta Racing’s Brad Freeman, Jack Edmondson on the PAR Homes KTM, MotoFIt Sherco’s Jed Etchells, and a herd of Triumph Racing riders including Jamie McCanney, Leo Joyon and Jonny Walker plus Danny McCanney making a guest appearance. And that’s not to mention the depth in breadth of Welsh riders up the sharp end.

Did you know Billy will wildcard at the final EnduroGP of the season? Billy Bolt Set For Wildcard at EnduroGP of Wales 2026

Right from the start it was Freeman who had the upper hand in the tests showing the same class which brought him a GP win two weeks ago in Sicily on the fast, open Welsh hillside.

The just longer than seven-and-a-half-minute test (much longer for most of us in the rank and file!) brought together elements that will feature at the same location in August for the EnduroGP final round.

The 300 Beta was flying with Brad clocking a total time of 53.52 across seven tests. Helped by a fastest of all final test, where Freeman made a mistake, Jed Etchells clocked in second on the day and showing promise as the former Junior World Champion gets the MotoFit Sherco dialled.

The fight for third was intense with Jamie McCanney eventually coming out on top despite pressure from Jack Eddie and Leo Joyon.

Billy Bolt retired as a precaution after hitting his hand – the Hard Enduro World Championship round Extreme Lagares is this coming weekend in Portugal.