The New Zealand team arrived at Grândola, Portugal, earlier this week in the lead-up to 100th edition of the 2026 FIM International Six Days Enduro, which takes place from 12–17 October 2026.
Team New Zealand arrives in Grandola, Portugal, ahead of the 100th edition of the 2026 FIM International Six Days Enduro, which takes place from 12–17 October 2026. The team comprises: 2026 New Zealand Women’s Trophy Team: Rachael Archer, Charlotte Knight, Bailey Newbould. The 2026 New Zealand Junior Trophy Team: Blake Affleck, Ashton Whyte and Thomas Easton. The 2026 New Zealand Junior Development Club Team: Jayden McAloon and James Purdie. Kylie Dorr, Team New Zealand Manager. Photo: MNZ/Supplied
New Zealand is fielding a strong and exciting line-up across the Women’s Trophy Team, Junior Trophy Team, Junior Development Club Team and Club Team categories.
New Zealand’s Women’s Trophy Team will be led by standout international rider Rachael Archer, of Waikato, who returns to the ISDE stage with her sights firmly set on winning the women’s overall.
Archer has already proven herself as one of the world’s best, finishing second overall in the Women’s individual results at the 2024 ISDE in Spain, where New Zealand made its historic debut in the Women’s World Trophy class. She is also a multiple-GNCC WXC (Women’s Cross Country) Champion in the United States and one of New Zealand’s most accomplished off-road motorcycle exports. She is coming off a string of dominant performances in Australia’s AusEnduro competition.
“We got here a week ago and my bike was in a crate in the Aussie container, so we’ve spent the last two days putting those back together, getting everything dialled and I’m feeling good,” explains Rachael Archer. “We’ve walked all the tests bar one. It looks like it will be very dusty and rocky, but a bit sandy as well. That’s going to make it a good race and I’m feeling excited and feeling ready.”
After recently becoming a mum, Archer’s return to international competition adds another powerful chapter to an already remarkable career. Her determination, international experience and proven pace make her one of the riders to watch at this pinnacle event.
“I’m excited to see if I can put New Zealand on the map,” Archer smiles.
Archer will be joined by Charlotte Knight, who is originally from Whakatāne and now UK-based working as a mechatronics engineer for Triumph motorcycles, and Bailey Newbould, of South Wairarapa, one of New Zealand’s exciting young female talents. Newbould turned 16 just weeks before she is set to represent New Zealand on this world stage. Together, the team represents a strong mix of international experience, race craft and emerging talent.
New Zealand’s Women’s Trophy Team has also been chosen to take part in a daily video blog contest called Beyond Six Days, which will serve to document the team’s journey to the finishline. You can follow that story here on the MNZ YouTube channel.
The Junior Trophy Team reflects New Zealand’s continued investment in the next generation of international enduro riders. Leading the charge is Blake Affleck, of Owaka, who won the 2026 New Zealand Enduro Championship.
“The heat is definitely a factor – it’s a bit hotter than home, but it’s not too bad – mid 20°C, so still comfortable riding in it,” offers Blake Affleck after walking the last test in the lead-up week. “It is so incredibly dry with lots of sand and rocks. It’s just like riding on the beach at home. Racing starts on Monday and I’m super excited for the week ahead – let’s go.”
Affleck is joined by Ashton Whyte, of Paeroa, a talented young rider with valuable international hard enduro experience. Whyte competed at Red Bull Romaniacs in 2023, giving him experience in one of the world’s toughest off-road events. Thomas Easton, of Rakaia, rounds out the Junior Trophy Team team.
Ashton Whyte said they had walked all the tests and the terrain was looking very rocky, with sections of sand and dry conditions. “It’s going to be a matter of keeping the air filters clean that’s for sure,” Whyte added. “We’re all looking forward to getting into racing on Monday. I have a bit of testing to do on the bike today, to get it all sorted, but really looking forward to seeing the pace that these boys have.”
The Junior Development Club Team line-up includes Jayden McAloon, of Ōtorohanga, and James Purdie, of Christchurch.
Team Manager Kylie Dorr says the 2026 campaign is about far more than one event.
“This is the 100th edition of the ISDE, so it is a huge moment for the sport and for New Zealand,” Dorr explains. “We have a team with real international potential, but we are also continuing to build a pathway for young riders who can carry New Zealand enduro forward for years to come.”
Known as the “Olympics of Motorcycling”, the ISDE brings together the world’s best enduro riders for six demanding days of racing, testing speed, endurance, consistency, mechanical skill and national pride. Over six days, 500 riders from more than 30 nations will each travel more than 1500km in pursuit of being crowned the world’s best.
The 2026 event marks the 100th edition of the ISDE, one of the most iconic events in international motorcycling.
New Zealand Representatives at the 2026 ISDE, Portugal
2026 New Zealand Women’s Trophy Team
Rachael Archer, Waikato/Australia based
Charlotte Knight, Whakatāne/UK-based
Bailey Newbould, South Wairarapa
2026 New Zealand Junior Trophy Team
Blake Affleck, Owaka/Catlins
Ashton Whyte, Paeroa
Thomas Easton, Rakaia
2026 New Zealand Junior Development Club Team
Jayden McAloon, Ōtorohanga
James Purdie, Christchurch
Kylie Dorr, Team New Zealand Manager
EVENT DETAILS
2026 FIM International Six Days’ Enduro 100th Edition
Grândola, Portugal
12–17 October 2026
