The Auto-Cycle Union (ACU) will provide additional support to its most successful individual FIM world and European championship riders in 2025 by funding their FIM licence fees in 2026.
Riders that secured a top-three finish in the final points standings of an individual FIM series this year will qualify for the reward. This season’s group will include:
Harry Walker – FIM Europe Quadcross Champion
Lucy Barker – FIM Europe EMX Women’s MX Champion
Harry Hemingway – FIM Trial2 World Champion
Kaytlyn Adshead – FIM Europe Women’s Trial Champion
Billy Bolt – FIM Super Enduro World Champion
Ashton Brightmore – FIM Junior Hard Enduro Champion
Zach Wajtknecht – FIM World Long Track Champion
Alia Lester – FIM Europe Junior Drag Bike Champion
Jake Mechaell – FIM Europe Super Street Bike Champion
This new initiative, which will reward riders on an annual basis, recognises the talent and commitment of ACU riders competing at the highest level of motorcycle sport.
It marks the first step in a wider programme of recognition from the national governing body of motorcycle sport in the UK that will also include the launch of a new ‘ACU Hall of Fame’.
By easing the recurring costs associated with international competition, the ACU aims to support its top performers in continuing their success and inspire the next generation of British riders to reach the European and world stages.
Matthew Edwards Wear, ACU Chief Executive, said: "British riders consistently deliver outstanding results across world and European disciplines. Covering the cost of their FIM licence for the following year is a small but meaningful way of recognising their achievement and backing their future ambitions. It reflects the Board’s clear intention to support our riders and raise the profile of ACU talent on the global stage."
Kaytlyn Adshead, Sherco UK and Station Garage rider (pictured in FIM action above), and winner of the FIM Europe Women’s Trial Championship in 2025, welcomed the ACU’s latest initiative.
She said: "I am very grateful the ACU has offered to fund my licence for 2026 after my European championship success this year. Licences can be a significant expense and competing in the full European and world championship in 2025 was certainly very expensive for me – especially with entry fees on top.
"I think the ACU is heading in the right direction by supporting its up-and-coming riders and I hope this continues to increase. I’ll always be willing to support the ACU in its efforts to grow the sport so younger riders can develop their skills and feel inspired to compete at the very top for their country and national federation."
The ACU will contact eligible riders directly to confirm arrangements for their 2026 licence.