YAMAHA SET FOR AEC OPENER IN ROMA

The 2026 Yamaha Australian Enduro Championship fires up this weekend in Roma and this season is already shaping up as an exciting one, as a new Pro Enduro champion will be crowned. One man putting his hand up to take the mantle from the now-retired Daniel Milner is ShopYamaha Off Road’s Wil Ruprecht. The NSW-based racer won more rounds than any other rider in 2025, but was let down with his results in the sandy surfaces.

Looking forward, Ruprecht has been hard at work in the off season and looking to turn a weakness into a strength. Ruprecht has won a world title, but never won the Australian Enduro Championship outright and the motivation is at an all time high.

The E1 class is stacked with Yamaha talent, including New Zealander Maximus Purvis who comes off a very fresh NZMX MX1 Championship. Purvis is a welcome addition to the AusEnduro Championship, and despite his lack of off-road experience, his speed won’t be questioned as he looks to keep on his winning ways in 2026. Joining him in the E1 division will be Cooper Sheidow and Fraser Higlett. Sheidow is a previous E1 champion, while Higlett comes into 2026 far better prepared than 12 months ago.

The women’s class is looking to be another fight between Jess Gardiner and Madi Simpson. Gardiner has won more titles than even she can remember and is open about her racing days coming to a close soon – but as long as she lines up, she is the favourite. Last year was Simpson’s first year in seniors when she challenged Gardiner at several rounds, and now with another year of experience and training under her belt, she will be good shape as she faces off against Gardiner at Roma.

Marcus Nowland will step up to the senior ranks and battle in the EJ (Under 19) class. Nowland has been the form junior rider of the past few seasons and his move to seniors is highly anticipated. Harley Hutton will fly the YJR flag in juniors, now mounted on a YZ250F. He is said to be loving the four stroke, and don’t be surprised to see him right up the front in the J4 class. Lorna Lock will do her thing in the JG division which she won last year on her YZ85, and no doubt it will be an even better season for her.