The opening round of the Yamaha Australian Enduro Championship presented by MXstore (AusEnduro) at Roma, Queensland delivered a demanding start to the 2026 season for riders across all championship classes. Tight, technical conditions combined with rising temperatures created a challenging test for competitors of every level, from the sport’s emerging juniors through to the experienced support-class riders. With the new season underway and classes reshuffled, several new names quickly established themselves at the front of the field.

With the Pro classes already reviewed following the shortened weekend, attention now turns to the remaining championship categories after Round 1.

EV

In EV, John Day returned to the form that saw him shine throughout the 2025 season, once again placing himself on top of the leaderboard at the conclusion of the day. Consistent speed across the five tests secured him the opening round victory. Daniel Walsh finished second, 3 minutes and 30 seconds behind the leader, while Brett McDonnell’s steady ride throughout the day paid off with third overall after a strong performance in the final test.

John Day stands tall in EV. Image – Troy Pears

EM

The EM class saw a familiar name return to the top step, with Rowan Pumpa continuing the dominance he showed in 2025. Pumpa delivered a commanding ride, finishing more than five minutes clear of the field to secure the round win. Anthony Hanlan showed strong pace from the outset, beginning the day well with a strong opening test. Despite dropping slightly down the order in test four, Hanlan held firm to claim second overall. The battle for third remained close all day between Darren Hart and Jason Hubbard, with just 20 seconds separating the pair by the final test as Hart secured the final podium position.

Rowan Pumpa on way to victory EM. Image – Troy Pears

J2

One of the closest battles of the day unfolded in J2, where Koby Munro and Ollie Peach traded blows across the entire round. The pair remained inseparable throughout the tests, with test five nearly producing identical times. After six tests it was Munro who emerged on top, edging Peach by just 1.1 seconds in one of the tightest finishes of the day. Riley Peacock completed the podium in third.

Hard fought battle in J2. Image – Troy Pears

J3

In J3, Levi Rossi delivered a flawless performance at Roma, setting the pace from the opening test and never relinquishing control. Rossi claimed victory in all six tests to secure a convincing round win. Behind him, a fierce contest played out between Cooper Clarke and Cooper Parkes, the pair trading positions across the day before Clarke ultimately claimed second place, with Parkes rounding out the podium just 14 seconds behind.

Levi Rossi flawless in Roma. Image – Troy Pears

J4

The J4 class saw Nate Munro waste no time asserting himself as a contender in 2026. Munro topped the timesheets in the opening test and maintained that momentum throughout the day to secure the first class win of the season. Harley Hutton also began the day strongly in second position and remained consistent across the tests, finishing his round with a final test win to secure second overall. The fight for third featured several riders throughout the day, including Asher Murphy, Riley Walker and Jett Avard, each having their moment near the front. By day’s end it was Murphy who claimed the final step on the podium.

Nate Munro leads J4. Image – Troy Pears

JG

In JG, Lorna Lock once again demonstrated the speed that made her a standout in previous seasons, delivering a dominant performance to open her 2026 campaign with victory. Olivia Johnson also returned to familiar territory near the front of the field, finishing the day in second position, while Jessie Harris completed the podium in third.

Lorna Lock returns in 2026 on top. Image – Troy Pears

Looking Ahead

Roma pushed riders to their limits from the very first round. The combination of brutal logs, rough terrain and oppressive heat made for a punishing day of racing that many competitors will remember long after the dust settles.

Unfortunately, following the conclusion of racing on Saturday, the weather took a dramatic turn as the skies opened and rain began to fall across the venue.

The rainfall was relentless throughout the evening and into the early hours of Sunday morning, leaving the course heavily saturated and significantly impacting the already demanding terrain.

Event organisers conducted an assessment of the circuit first thing Sunday morning, however the continuing rain and deteriorating ground conditions meant it was deemed too wet to safely continue competition. As a result, Round 2 of the championship was cancelled.

The Yamaha Australian Enduro Championship presented by MXstore will now turn its attention to the next stop on the calendar, with the series heading to Dungog, New South Wales on April 11–12 for Rounds 3 and 4.