07/01/2026
ACU Announces Girls Youth Category and Participation Incentives for the 2026 MXGB Women Championship
The Auto-Cycle Union (ACU) Motocross Commission, in partnership with the promoters of the MXGB Women Championship, is pleased to announce a series of developments for the 2026 season aimed at strengthening the female motocross pathway in Great Britain.
Girls 125/Open Youth Categories for 2026
From 2026, a Girls 125/Open Youth category will be introduced within the MXGB Women Championship. This category will compete alongside the senior womenโs class and will be open to riders aged 13โ17. It will mirror the existing Youth 125 and Youth Open categories.
These two youth categories will run as one and be scored accordingly. Riders will compete alongside the main adult womens class but will have their own championship and be scored separately from the adult Women. There will also be a presentation at each event for the top three points scorers in the MXGB Girls Youth. The winner at the end of the year will be the Offical British Girls 125/open British Champion.
Technical Regulations (as per ACU MX Regulations):
Girls Youth 125 (13โ17 years)
Minimum 120cc 2-stroke
Maximum 125cc 2-stroke
Manual clutch
Wheel sizes 19 inch rear, 21 inch front
Girls Youth Open (14โ17 years)
Minimum 120cc 2-stroke or 175cc 4-stroke
Maximum 150cc 2-stroke or 250cc 4-stroke
Manual clutch
Wheel sizes 19 inch rear, 21 inch front
Participation Incentive for 2026
To further encourage female participation, the ACU Motocross Commission, championship promoters, and partners have secured funding to support new and returning riders.
The first 15 female riders to register for the 2026 MXGB Women and Girls Championship will receive ยฃ100 off their entry fee for Round One.
This initiative builds on the success of a similar ACU participation programme introduced in the 2025 British Enduro Championship, where womenโs entries doubled from five to ten riders, with participation sustained throughout the season.
Steve McCauley, Director of the ACU Motocross Commission, commented:
โTargeted initiatives like this have already proven their value. By reducing financial barriers for a demographic that is traditionally underrepresented, we are creating genuine opportunities for women to enter, progress, and remain in the sport. The success seen in British Enduro demonstrates that these measures can deliver long-term growth. I would like to thank all parties involved in securing this funding for the MXGB Women Championship.โ
The decision to introduce the Girls Youth categories was made following analysis of the ACU Women in Motocross Survey, international benchmarking with FIM-affiliated federations, and consultation with riders and stakeholders.
The initiative was shaped in collaboration with ACU Womenโs Ambassador and FIM Womenโs Commission member Pippa Laverty, alongside experienced UK riders Claire Winthrop and Lauren May Collingwood, whose first-hand experience within the British motocross pathway was instrumental.
Pippa Laverty added: โBefore implementing these changes, we reviewed international championship structures, survey data, and most importantly listened to riders who have progressed through the ACU system. Girls benefit from mixed racing up to the age of 13, but around 13โ14 many begin to face challenges that can lead to dropout. These new categories provide a clear and supportive stepping stone, allowing female riders to develop competitively and progress with confidence. I would like to thank Claire and Lauren for their direct input and expertise, as well as Steve, Colin, and all partners involved in making this possible. I am really looking forward to attending the opening round of the 2026 MXGB Women & Girls Championship and seeing these initiatives come to life on track.โ
The ACU believes that the combined introduction of Girls Youth categories and targeted participation incentives will significantly improve participation, retention, and progression for female motocross riders in Great Britain.
MXGB Women and Girls Championship 2026 Calendar
Round 1, 21โ22 March, Fatcats
Round 2, 25โ26 April, Marshfield
Round 3, 6โ7 June, Wroxton
Round 4, 15โ16 August, Culham
Round 5, 3โ4 October, Preston Docks
Rider Registration
Riders interested in registering for the 2026 season should contact Julie Hambridge.
Telephone 07946 011588
Email juliehambridge18@gmail.com
Sponsorship Opportunities
The MXGB Women Championship is actively seeking partners to support the continued growth and success of the 2026 series.
Telephone 07946 011588
Email juliehambridge18@gmail.com
