Introducing two new Kriega ambassadors: Hard Enduro heroes Mitch and Ashton Brightmore
Kriega has added the Brightmore brothers to our roster of ambassadors. Mitch and Ashton are world class riders, rapidly moving up the rankings. The pair have just finished second in their respective FIM Hard Enduro World Championships, with Mitch overall runner-up and Ash gaining silver in the Junior class. They compete for the X-Grip team on Gas Gas machinery.
The Brightmores joined Kriega partway through the 2026 season, using prototype versions of the new Hydro RACE hydration pack. They were able to give important feedback from gruelling races including The Roof Of Africa and Turkey’s Sea to Sky.
We took the chance to ask them a few questions.
First, how old are you?
Mitch Brightmore: 23
Ashton Brightmore: 20
Where do you live?
AB: We both live in Buxton, UK.
When did you start riding motorcycles?
MB: I started at the age of four and just followed in dad’s footsteps. My first bike was a KTM Mini Adventure.
AB: My dad got me a trials bike when I was five, and I competed in youth trials for eight years.
What was your first hard enduro race and how did it go?
MB: Round 1 of British Extreme championship in 2021. I won the Clubman class somehow.
AB: British Extreme at Tong [West Yorkshire]. It was snowing before the start and was such a wet race. I was riding a KTM 85 at the time and just rode it like a trials bike.
How and when did you get picked up by your current X-Grip team?
MB: They signed us at the end of 2024. After I won my second junior Hard Enduro championship and was then going into the top class. I had done two indoor seasons and two outdoor seasons with the Italian team TTR Squadra Corse in the junior category winning three world championships.
AB: X-Grip saw us during the 2024 Hard Enduro season in the junior class and saw potential in us. I competed in two indoor and one outdoor junior world championships, riding for the Italian team.
What’s your strongest point compared to other FIM Hard Enduro riders?
MB: For me it's when the course becomes super technical and very trials style. That’s when I excel.
AB: My technique in fast technical areas is something I am strong in compared to others.
Mitch, you came second overall this year – did you think that was possible at the beginning of the season or are you disappointed you didn’t win it?
MB: I think I can be very happy with my season this year. I've progressed on last year’s result and got my first overall win and next year the championship will be in sight, for sure.
Ash, you competed in the FIM Junior class this year, but you got on the overall podium at some rounds too, right?
AB: In Sweden I managed get on the podium in all three races. It give me a good confidence boost knowing what I can achieve in different types of race.
My best race personally was Roof of Africa, although the results didn’t show. On day 2 I felt really good on the bike and the other days were successful.
Is there anything you will be working to improve for next season?
MB: I need to improve on the races that use GPS navigation* as I didn’t grow up with it. I need to train more to keep my average position up throughout the season no matter the style of race.
AB: To work on my weaknesses in the longer format races. I improved during this season but there is still room for more.
[* Numerous FIM Hard Enduro races have stages that require GPS. The brothers also race indoor Super Enduro, and extreme enduro events that follow a marked-out course and don’t need GPS.]
What’s your favourite event and why?
MB: Mine is Erzberg. I think it is one of the hardest one-day events, and the feeling when you come to the finish knowing what you have accomplished is unbelievable.
AB: Sea to Sky, the different styles of riding on each day is so unique.
What are the positives and negatives of being in a team with your brother?
MB: I think there are only positives to being on a team with my brother. We really have a good relationship and makes both of our lives easier when at races and training.
AB: We can discuss things before and after a race about the bike and other things.
What’s next for you?
MB: I will just keep doing what I'm doing and the main thing is having fun while riding bikes.
AB: To compete in both indoor and outdoor championships at the highest level I can and keep improving.
THE BRIGHTMORE KIT
The Hydro RACE was designed as a lightweight, competition hydration pack with a unique and innovative harness fastening. It comes with a military-spec, 3-litre reservoir complete with insulated drinks tube and soft-bite valve as standard, and is available with a range of accessories suitable for race and training days.
All our competition ambassadors use the RACE NUMBER BOARD. It is a customisable, polypropylene panel that comes blank for riders to add their race number, logos or graphics. It fastens to the pack using the rear net’s clips. Kriega’s website has a template to supply to graphics companies for them to produce vinyl graphics of the correct size and shape. UK-based racers can order the graphics directly through AMPED.
RACE HANDS-FREE KIT Designed for racing conditions when it’s essential to keep both hands on the handlebars and concentrate on riding. This kit extends the Hydro RACE drinks tube, positioning the soft bite valve permanently near the rider’s mouth, giving fast, hands-free hydration.
Order the Hydro RACE and accessories now from kriega.com or contact your local dealer.
Kriega UK dealer network
Kriega Worldwide importers