The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) and Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) have announced the 2026 WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series calendar, featuring 14 events across nine countries and three continents from May to October. The season marks a historic debut in Asia with the opening round in MONA YongPyong, South Korea, and the long-awaited inclusion of Whistler Mountain Bike Park in Canada. Unifying formats like Cross-country Olympic (XCO), Cross-country Short Track (XCC), Downhill (DHI), and Enduro (EDR) under one brand since 2023, the series aims to elevate mountain biking globally. With four Olympic venues and new destinations, the calendar promises high-stakes competition and global expansion for the sport.
The 2026 season is set to redefine mountain biking with groundbreaking new venues and the return of iconic locations. The Asian debut and Whistler’s inclusion are major highlights, while Lake Placid, USA, will host the season’s decisive finals. Here are the key takeaways from the announcement:
- New venues: MONA YongPyong (South Korea) and Soldier Hollow (USA) join the circuit.
- Iconic return: Whistler, a downhill mecca, hosts a World Cup for the first time.
- Unified format: XCO, XCC, DHI, and EDR across 14 weekends of racing.
The calendar balances endurance and gravity events, showcasing top destinations to engage athletes and fans worldwide.
Historic Asian debut
The 2026 season kicks off with a historic milestone: the first UCI World Cup XCO and XCC events in Asia, scheduled for May 1-3 at MONA YongPyong, South Korea. The venue, a 2018 Winter Olympics host, also marks the return of Downhill to the continent after 25 years. Its challenging terrain, with technical descents and demanding climbs, will test athletes’ versatility early in the season. The South Korean round aims to expand mountain biking’s reach in Asia, leveraging world-class infrastructure to attract new fans. The UCI’s push into emerging markets underscores its commitment to globalizing the sport. This opening event will set the tone for the season, with athletes vying for early points in a highly competitive field. The move also highlights the UCI’s strategy to diversify race locations, bringing fresh energy to the World Series.
Whistler and Olympic venues take center stage
The inclusion of Whistler Mountain Bike Park in British Columbia, Canada, for a Downhill round on September 25-27 is a standout moment. Known as the spiritual home of Downhill, Whistler’s iconic 1199 track promises thrilling races, fulfilling decades of anticipation from fans and riders. As a first-time UCI World Cup host, Whistler’s challenging layout and vibrant atmosphere are expected to draw massive crowds. The venue, a 2010 Winter Olympics host, adds prestige to the season’s North American leg. The calendar also features four Olympic venues:
- MONA YongPyong (South Korea): 2018 Winter Olympics host.
- Soldier Hollow (USA): Biathlon venue and future 2034 Winter Olympics co-host.
- Lake Placid (USA): XCO and DHI finals at a historic Olympic site.
- Pal Arinsal (Andorra): Renowned for elite infrastructure. These venues strengthen the sport’s Olympic ties, enhancing its global appeal.
Season structure and key events
Spanning May to October, the 2026 season covers 14 race weekends, balancing endurance (XCO, XCC) and gravity (DHI, EDR) formats. The series starts in Asia, moves to a packed European summer schedule, and concludes with three North American rounds. Europe hosts the bulk of the events, with staples like Nové Město Na Moravě (Czech Republic), Saalfelden-Leogang (Austria), and Lenzerheide (Switzerland). France shines with back-to-back Haute-Savoie rounds—one for XCO and DHI, the other for the Enduro finale. Key structural elements include:
- 14 events: Across 9 countries and 3 continents.
- Quadruple rounds: Saalfelden-Leogang and La Thuile combine XCO, XCC, DHI, and EDR.
- Strategic break: A near-month-long pause before the North American finale. This setup ensures athletes peak at critical moments while fans enjoy a dynamic, varied season.
Impact on athletes and fans
The addition of Whistler and new venues like MONA YongPyong has sparked excitement among athletes. La Thuile, Italy, which debuted in 2025 with the steepest Downhill track in series history and the world’s first nighttime Enduro, returns with XCO added, promising even greater attention. For fans, the season offers unique opportunities to experience the sport in iconic destinations. The UCI and WBD are committed to global broadcasts via platforms like YouTube, UCI Mountain Bike World Series, GCN+, Eurosport, and Discovery+. Whistler’s round is expected to draw record viewership due to its legendary status. Athletes face the challenge of maintaining consistency across a demanding schedule. Quadruple rounds, blending all disciplines, test their adaptability, requiring peak physical and mental preparation.
Global expansion of mountain biking
The push into Asia and new U.S. venues reflects the UCI and WBD’s mission to make mountain biking a truly global sport. Chris Ball, WBD Sports Europe’s Vice President of Cycling Events, noted that new venues since 2023 have quickly become athlete favorites, emphasizing safety and track quality. UCI President David Lappartient highlighted the compelling narratives expected in 2026, driven by veterans’ experience and young riders’ boldness. The inclusion of Olympic venues elevates the sport’s prestige on the world stage. The absence of Mont-Sainte-Anne, Canada, has stirred mixed reactions, with local organizers expressing disappointment but eyeing a 2027 return. The season balances innovation and tradition, maintaining classics like Val di Fassa while introducing challenging new tracks. This approach ensures continued growth, attracting new audiences while retaining the sport’s core fanbase.
Calendar highlights
The 2026 calendar is designed to maximize competitiveness and visibility. Key moments include:
- Historic opener: MONA YongPyong hosts Asia’s first XCO and XCC World Cup.
- Whistler spotlight: The Downhill round in Canada is a season highlight.
- Decisive finals: Lake Placid crowns the XCO and DHI champions.
- Quadruple events: Saalfelden-Leogang and La Thuile deliver all-discipline racing.
- Safety focus: WBD prioritizes high-standard tracks for athlete safety. The 2026 season promises to be one of the most thrilling in mountain biking history, blending innovation, tradition, and global outreach.
