- New Zealand has named its team for the 2026 International Six Days Enduro in Portugal
- Rachael Archer returns to lead the Women’s Trophy Team after finishing runner-up overall in 2024
- Young Kiwi riders continue to form a major focus of the national programme
Motorcycling New Zealand has officially announced the riders who will represent the country at the 2026 FIM International Six Days Enduro (ISDE), with a strong Kiwi line-up set to tackle the historic 100th edition of the event in Portugal later this year.
Held in Grândola from October 12-17, the ISDE is widely regarded as the “Olympics of Motorcycling”, bringing together the world’s best enduro riders for six gruelling days of racing that test speed, endurance, mechanical skill and consistency.
New Zealand heads to Europe with teams competing across the Women’s Trophy, Junior Trophy, Junior Development Club Team and Club Team categories, continuing a growing emphasis on developing young Kiwi enduro talent on the world stage.
Leading the charge is Waikato rider Rachael Archer, who returns to the Women’s Trophy Team after making headlines at the 2024 ISDE in Spain, where she finished second overall in the women’s individual standings.
Leading the charge is Waikato rider Rachael Archer, who returns to the Women’s Trophy Team after making headlines at the 2024 ISDE in Spain, where she finished second overall in the women’s individual standings.
Archer has established herself as one of New Zealand’s most successful off-road exports, claiming multiple GNCC WXC Championships in the United States while building an international reputation as one of the world’s elite female enduro riders.
Her return to international competition comes shortly after becoming a mother, adding another remarkable chapter to an already impressive career.
Joining Archer in the Women’s Trophy Team are Whakatāne-born Charlotte Knight — now based in the UK and working as a mechatronics engineer for Triumph Motorcycles — alongside exciting South Wairarapa teenager Bailey Newbould, who at just 15 years old is already regarded as one of New Zealand’s brightest young off-road prospects.
Strong junior line-up
The Junior Trophy Team continues New Zealand’s focus on youth development and features several riders already making a serious impact domestically and internationally.
Nelson’s Bailey Basalaj heads the team after claiming the 2025 New Zealand Enduro Championship title. Basalaj has emerged as one of the country’s standout young riders and is currently contesting rounds of the 2026 FIM EnduroGP World Championship as part of his ISDE preparation.
He’ll be joined by Owaka rider Blake Affleck, runner-up in the 2025 national championship, who impressed with outright pace throughout the season, including victories in both the sprint and long-loop phases at the championship finale.
Paeroa’s Ashton Whyte completes the Junior Trophy Team after already gaining valuable international hard enduro experience at Red Bull Romaniacs in 2023.
Building the future
New Zealand’s Junior Development Club Team continues to provide younger riders with vital international exposure and experience in the demanding six-day format.
The squad includes:
- Thomas Easton (Rakaia)
- Ethan Jameson (Whangamatā)
- Jayden McAloon (Ōtorohanga)
- Dylan Huddleston (Cheviot)
Both Easton and Huddleston competed at the 2025 ISDE, while Jameson also brings international experience from Red Bull Romaniacs competition.
Rotorua’s Liam Ellis and Christchurch rider James Purdie will represent New Zealand in the Club Team category.
Huge challenge off the bike too
While the racing itself is demanding, simply getting a New Zealand team to Europe remains a massive undertaking financially.
International travel, bike freight or rental, race servicing, accommodation, entry fees, support crews and team logistics mean the 12-rider campaign will cost hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Team Manager Kylie Dorr says the significance of the 100th edition makes this year’s campaign especially important.
“This is the 100th edition of the ISDE, so it is a huge moment for the sport and for New Zealand,” said Dorr.
“We are taking 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.”
Dorr said Archer’s return adds further excitement to the campaign.
“To have her return with her sights set on winning the women’s overall is incredibly exciting,” Dorr explained.
“At the same time, we have a strong group of junior riders who are gaining the experience needed to become future Trophy Team contenders. The challenge now is funding. These riders are representing New Zealand on the world stage, and sponsorship support will make a genuine difference.”
Motorcycling New Zealand and ISDE Team New Zealand are now calling on businesses and supporters to help back the campaign as the riders prepare for one of the biggest events in world enduro.
New Zealand team for the 2026 ISDE
Women’s Trophy Team
- Rachael Archer (Waikato/Australia-based)
- Charlotte Knight (Whakatāne/UK-based)
- Bailey Newbould (South Wairarapa)
Junior Trophy Team
- Bailey Basalaj (Nelson)
- Blake Affleck (Owaka/Catlins)
- Ashton Whyte (Paeroa)
Junior Development Club Team
- Thomas Easton (Rakaia)
- Ethan Jameson (Whangamatā)
- Jayden McAloon (Ōtorohanga)
- Dylan Huddleston (Cheviot)
Club Team
- Liam Ellis (Rotorua)
- James Purdie (Christchurch)
