The fourth round of the 2026 EnduroGP World Championship delivered another gruelling test for riders in Fafe, Portugal, where scorching temperatures, dust and a challenging 50km course pushed competitors to the limit.
Featuring a dusty Enduro Test, natural Extreme Test and high-speed Cross Test, the Portuguese Grand Prix marked the opening event of a back-to-back double-header and proved a pivotal weekend for championship contender Brad Freeman.
Competing in the E3 category, Freeman continued his impressive run of form by maintaining his championship lead despite missing the podium on Day 1. The Brit finished fourth on Saturday before bouncing back strongly on Sunday, spending much of the day at the head of the field before eventually finishing second after surrendering the lead in the closing stages.
“On the second day, I was really close to victory and gave it my all right up to the last special stage,” Freeman said.
The result sees Freeman leave Portugal still leading the E3 championship as the series heads into its next round.
In the highly competitive E2 division, Nathan Watson recorded consistent fifth-place finishes across both days. Watson showed strong pace throughout the Cross Test sections but was unable to find the overall speed required to challenge for podium positions.
“I wasn’t able to perform at my best,” Watson admitted. “I hope to turn the page and fight for the podium at the next GP.”
There were also encouraging signs in the Junior 1 class, where Clément Clauzier continued to show speed. Clauzier finished fifth on Day 1 after a strong final lap before narrowly missing the podium on Sunday following a crash that ultimately cost him a top-three result.
With four rounds completed, the EnduroGP Championship now remains in Portugal for the second half of the double-header, where riders will again tackle the demanding terrain around Fafe.
