Iconic New Venues Confirmed for 2026 WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series

Making its debut on the UCI World Cup circuit, Soldier Hollow in Midway, Utah (USA), offers riders a unique challenge. Its dry, sandy terrain is unlike anything encountered so far this season and is expected to add an extra layer of unpredictability to the racing.Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series in Soldier Hollow, presented by SCOTT Sports, including the schedule for the Cross-country Short Track (XCC) and Cross-country Olympic (XCO) races, the key riders to watch, and how you can follow all the action live.WHEN?The 2026 WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series round in Soldier Hollow, Midway, Utah (USA) starts with the Women’s U23 UCI XCC World Cup at 11:20 (UTC-6) on Saturday, September 19 and concludes with the Men’s Elite UCI XCO World Cup at 15:30 (UTC-6) on Sunday, September 20.Below are the key timings for race weekend. All times are UTC-6 (EST-2/BST-7/CEST-8):Saturday, September 1911:20 – UCI Cross-Country Short Track | Women U2312:10 – UCI Cross-Country Short Track | Men U2313:00 – UCI Cross-Country Short Track | Women Elite13:50 – UCI Cross-Country Short Track | Men EliteSunday, September 20 9:00 – UCI Cross-Country Olympic | Women U2311:00 – UCI Cross-Country Olympic | Men U2313:30 – UCI Cross-Country Olympic | Women Elite15:30 – UCI Cross-Country Olympic | Men EliteWHERE CAN I WATCH?The WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series heads to North America for the first time in 2026, with the eighth round of the UCI Cross-country World Cup set to take place at Soldier Hollow. Fans around the world will be able to watch the Elite XCC and XCO races live via the following broadcasters and streaming services:Europe:Albania, Andorra, Armenia, Austria, Baltics, Belgium, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Faroe Islands, Finland, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Luxembourg, Malta, Moldova, Montenegro, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Tajikistan, Türkiye, Ukraine – HBO Max / EurosportCzechia – HBO Max, Eurosport and CT Sport +France – HBO Max, Eurosport and L'Equipe LiveIreland – TNT SportsSwitzerland, Liechtenstein – HBO Max, Eurosport and SRF/RSIUnited Kingdom – HBO Max and TNT SportsAsia:Indonesia, Macao, Malaysia, Mongolia, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Chinese Taipei, Thailand – Eurosport WorldOceania:Australia – Stan SportNew Zealand – MTBWS TVSamoa – Eurosport WorldNorth America:Canada – FloSportsUSA – HBO Max / MTBWS TVSouth & Central America: MTBWS TVAfrica: MTBWS TVAll other territories: MTBWS TVRIDERS TO WATCHA lot has changed in the fight for the UCI XCO World Cup overall since the last European round of the season in Les Gets, Haute-Savoie (France) at the end of August.In the women’s field, Sina Frei (Specialized Factory Racing) appears to have the momentum. The Swiss rider followed up the XCO-XCC double she secured in Les Gets by claiming the UCI XCO World Championship title in Val di Sole, further strengthening her credentials as she looks to hunt down Jenny Rissveds (Canyon XC Racing).While Rissveds still holds a commanding 282-point lead with two rounds remaining, Frei will be aiming to close the gap before the season finale at Lake Placid Olympic Sites, New York (USA) and take the overall contest down to the wire. That task now takes her to Soldier Hollow, the latest of three new UCI Cross-country World Cup venues introduced in 2026, following MONA YongPyong (South Korea) and La Thuile, Valle d’Aosta (Italy). Frei has already proven she can adapt quickly to unfamiliar terrain, claiming another XCO-XCC double at the Korean stop earlier this season. While Savilia Blunk (Decathlon Ford Racing Team), Martina Berta (Origine Racing Division) and Laura Stigger (Specialized Factory Racing) remain mathematically in contention for the overall title, they are more realistically chasing podium positions in the standings.Other riders to watch include Samara Maxwell (Decathlon Ford Racing Team), whose impressive return to competition continued with a fifth-place finish at the UCI XCO World Championships, and Haley Batten (Specialized Factory Racing), the local favourite and Paris 2024 Olympic silver medallist. The men’s competition also remains mathematically open with five riders still in contention, although it would take a major upset for Luca Martin (Cannondale Factory Racing) not to be crowned the 2026 overall winner. The Frenchman’s closest challenger, Adrien Boichis (Specialized Factory Racing), has shifted his focus to road racing for the remainder of the season, leaving Bjorn Riley (SCOTT-SRAM MTB Racing Team), Simone Avondetto (Wilier-Vittoria Factory Team) and Dario Lillo (Giant Factory Off-Road Team - XC) with a significant deficit to make up. That does not mean there will be any shortage of storylines in Soldier Hollow. Martin is chasing a third UCI XCO World Cup victory of the season, while teammate Charlie Aldridge (Cannondale Factory Racing) will look to carry his strong form into the North American leg after finishing runner-up to Tom Pidcock at the UCI XCO World Championships, having already secured the European title in July. Martín Vidaurre Kossman (Specialized Factory Racing), fourth in Val di Sole, and teammate Christopher Blevins should also feature prominently. The latter has happy memories of the venue, having won the American Continental XCO Championship there in 2024.Saturday’s UCI XCC World Cup race could prove equally decisive in the battle for the overall series. Just 80 points separate Frei and Rissveds in the Women Elite standings and, with 500 points still available, Savilia Blunk, Nicole Koller (Lapierre PXR Racing) and Laura Stigger remain in the mathematical hunt. Blunk will be especially motivated on home soil as she targets her second UCI XCC World Cup victory of the season, while Stigger will make her first appearance in the rainbow jersey since being crowned UCI XCC World Champion.In the Men Elite category, the absence of newly crowned UCI XCC World Champion Adrien Boichis reopens the fight for the overall title between Luca Martin and Mathis Azzaro (Origine Racing Division). Both riders are expected to surpass Boichis’ points tally, with just 46 points separating them heading into the final two rounds. Although Azzaro has been the less consistent of the two, he boasts two UCI XCC World Cup wins this season compared to Martin’s none. Martin, however, held the upper hand at the UCI XCC World Championships, finishing third while Azzaro crossed the line in seventh. Elsewhere, Riley will be targeting a second victory of the campaign in front of a home crowd, while Aldridge arrives with podium momentum after his runner-up finish in Val di Sole.Racing gets underway on Saturday, September 19 in Soldier Hollow, Midway, Utah (USA).Full schedule and event details are available HERE.You can find where to watch all of the racing action live HERE.

The WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series has never been afraid to break new ground, and with just three rounds remaining in the 2026 season, two new venues are set to make their UCI World Cup debuts, including Soldier Hollow in Midway, Utah (USA).Soldier Hollow will welcome the Endurance athletes for the penultimate rounds of the UCI Cross-country World Cup, presented by SCOTT Sports. With both the Men Elite and Women Elite overall titles still hanging in the balance across the cross-country Olympic (XCO) and cross-country short track (XCC) formats, riders and fans can expect two days of all-out racing and an unforgettable UCI World Cup debut for Utah's iconic venue.While Soldier Hollow is new to the UCI World Cup circuit, it is no stranger to elite-level competition. The venue hosted biathlon and cross-country skiing events during the Salt Lake City 2002 Olympic Winter Games and will once again play its part on the world stage when it hosts competitions at the 2034 Olympic Winter Games.Beyond its Olympic pedigree, Soldier Hollow has established itself as a premier summer destination for mountain biking and outdoor recreation. It sits at the heart of a state deeply woven into the fabric of the sport, with Utah's legendary riding destinations, including Moab and Zion, helping to shape mountain bike's global identity.Located approximately 50 miles southeast of Salt Lake City within Wasatch Mountain State Park, the venue's sandy terrain and exposed landscape will provide a distinctive challenge in this year's series. The course is built on Utah's characteristic red soil, which becomes extremely hard-packed and fast in dry conditions but can quickly turn sticky and slippery when wet, adding an extra layer of unpredictability for riders.Both courses have been purpose-built to deliver fast, flowing racing while maximizing the spectator experience. Thanks to the openness of the venue, fans can follow almost 90% of the action from a single vantage point. Riders, however, will face a sterner test, with the renowned Hard Line rock garden demanding precision, commitment and exceptional bike-handling skills.The XCO course measures 4.2km and features 178m of elevation gain, while the XCC course measures 1.2km with 34m of elevation gain.RISSVEDS AND FREI LEAD THE CHARGE AS BATTEN EYES HOME GLORYJenny Rissveds (Canyon XC Racing) had a near-perfect year as the 2025 UCI XCO World Champion. The Swede has finished outside the podium just once all season, placing fourth in La Thuile - Valle d’Aosta (Italy), while claiming five UCI XCO World Cup victories, three of them in 2026. However, after finishing seventh at the 2026 UCI XCO World Championships, Rissveds knows there is still work to do if she is to finally secure the overall title.Standing in her way is a rider whose momentum continues to build race after race. Sina Frei (Specialized Factory Racing) followed up her dominant UCI XCO-XCC World Cup double in Les Gets, Haute-Savoie (France), with victory at the UCI XCO World Championships, adding the rainbow jersey to an already stellar season. As Rissveds’ closest challenger in the standings, the Swiss rider will arrive in Utah determined to keep the title fight alive.Rissveds currently leads Frei by 282 points and needs to leave Soldier Hollow with a 330-point advantage to clinch both her first overall UCI XCO World Cup title and the first for Sweden. With every position carrying valuable points at this stage of the season, expect the pair to be locked in battle across both days of racing in Utah.While the overall title appears destined to be decided between Rissveds and Frei, there will be no shortage of contenders for victory in Soldier Hollow. Local hero and Olympic silver medallist Haley Batten (Specialized Factory Racing) will be eager to deliver a standout performance on home trails, while fellow American Savilia Blunk (Decathlon Ford Racing Team) will also be looking to shine in front of a home crowd.Meanwhile, Martina Berta (Origine Racing Division) continues to be a consistent force at the sharp end of the field, and the resurgent Samara Maxwell (Decathlon Ford Racing Team) arrives with growing momentum after a strong return to form, making her a genuine threat heading into the penultimate round of the season.ALL EYES ON MARTIN, BUT THE BATTLE IS FAR FROM OVERLuca Martin (Cannondale Factory Racing) arrives in Soldier Hollow with one hand firmly on the Men Elite overall title. The Frenchman can now only be caught mathematically by Adrien Boichis (Specialized Factory Racing), Bjorn Riley (SCOTT-SRAM MTB Racing Team), Simone Avondetto (Wilier-Vittoria Factory Team) and Dario Lillo (Giant Factory Off-Road Team - XC). However, with Boichis turning his focus to road racing for the remainder of the season and the other three trailing by more than 550 points, Martin is firmly in the driving seat heading into the penultimate round.That does not mean the racing will lack intrigue. A victory in Utah would be the fourth UCI XCO World Cup win of Martin’s career, drawing him level with mountain biking legend Bart Brentjens on the all-time winners list.The home crowd, meanwhile, will be hoping for a different outcome. American stars Bjorn Riley and Christopher Blevins (Specialized Factory Racing) headline a strong contingent looking to deliver a statement performance on home soil, while a host of riders will see Soldier Hollow’s unique terrain as an opportunity to upset the established order and fight for victory.THE XCC BATTLES REACH BOILING POINTBoth UCI XCC World Cup overall titles remain very much up for grabs with two rounds still to race.In the Women Elite category, the battle once again comes down to Sina Frei and Jenny Rissveds. Frei currently holds an 80-point advantage and could secure the overall crown before the season finale, but only with a near-perfect result in Soldier Hollow and an unusually subdued performance from Rissveds. Given the form both riders have shown throughout the year, another intense head-to-head showdown looks likely.The Men Elite title race has become equally compelling following the absence of newly crowned UCI XCC World Champion Adrien Boichis, whose switch to road racing has left the fight for the overall wide open. As a result, a captivating duel has emerged between Luca Martin (Cannondale Factory Racing) and Mathis Azzaro (Origine Racing Division), with just 46 points separating the two Frenchmen.Martin has an opportunity to wrap up the overall title in Utah, but the permutations remain complex and far from straightforward. More realistically, Soldier Hollow is shaping up to be a crucial chapter in a battle that appears destined to go down to the wire. With every point carrying added significance, expect Martin and Azzaro to be bar-to-bar throughout the Short Track race as they look to seize the initiative heading into the final round of the season.WILDCARD TEAMS READY TO MAKE THEIR MARK IN SOLDIER HOLLOWThe following wildcard teams have been confirmed to compete in the UCI Cross-country World Cup in Soldier Hollow: KTM Factory Team, Lexware Mountainbike Team, Massi, SUNN Factory Racing, Thömus Akros - Youngstars, UNNO Factory Racing, Bike Team Solothurn and Pivot Cycles OTE.Among the wildcard entries, Paul Schehl (Lexware Mountainbike Team) is one of the names to watch. The German could leave Soldier Hollow as the overall winner of both the U23 UCI XCO and XCC World Cups if results fall his way this weekend.Schehl is far from the only wildcard rider making an impact this season. Katrin Embacher (KTM Factory Team) strengthened her grip on second place in the Women U23 XCO overall standings with a podium finish in Les Gets, while Tom Perrin (SUNN Factory Racing) is closing in on a maiden top 10 overall finish in the Men U23 category. Thömus Akros - Youngstars siblings Monique and Nicolas Halter will line up in their respective U23 XCC races wearing the coveted rainbow jersey as reigning UCI World Champions. Meanwhile, Fiona Schibler (Bike Team Solothurn) sits fourth in the Women U23 XCO standings with second place still within reach, and Ian Ackert (Pivot Cycles OTE) arrives in Utah after a season highlighted by a string of top five finishes in the Men U23 ranks.Racing at the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series in Soldier Hollow, presented by SCOTT Sports, gets underway on Saturday 19 September with the UCI XCC World Cup. Full schedule and event information are available here.

With the final leg of the season fast approaching and the North American triple-header set to play a decisive role in the battle for the 2026 UCI World Cup titles, Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) Sports has unveiled further details of its inaugural annual awards ceremony, The Golden Arrows.Set to take place on Sunday 4 October at the Olympic Centre in Lake Placid, New York, following the final round of the 2026 WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series, The Golden Arrows will bring together athletes, teams, organisers, media and industry leaders for a celebration of excellence across mountain bike.The annual awards programme will honour outstanding achievements both on and off the racecourse through four categories: Event of the Year, Rookie of the Year, Legacy Award and Best Professional Photograph. The ceremony will also see the presentation of The Summit, the new UCI Mountain Bike World Cup Team Trophy, alongside The Globe, the overall UCI World Cup trophy for the season’s leading riders.The prestigious Mountain Bike Hall of Fame will also form part of the evening, with four new inductees welcomed into one of the discipline’s highest honours in recognition of their lasting contributions to mountain biking.LEGACY AWARD: RECOGNISING IMPACT BEYOND THE RACE TAPEThe Legacy Award celebrates teams and Local Organising Committees (LOCs) that have created a lasting positive impact beyond competition through initiatives linked to sustainability, community engagement, inclusion, youth development, trail stewardship and wider social responsibility.The winner will be selected by a panel bringing together expertise from elite sport, cycling advocacy, event delivery and mountain bike heritage:Katerina Nash, UCI Vice-President and President of the UCI Mountain Bike Commission. A five-time Olympian across both cross-country skiing and mountain bike, Nash combines elite sporting experience with extensive leadership within international cycling governance.Otis Guy, Director of the Mountain Bike Hall of Fame. One of the discipline’s original pioneers, Guy remains one of mountain bike's most respected historians and advocates.Ravi Rajcoomar, Vice President of the Business Network at PeopleForBikes. An award-winning sports marketing and events specialist whose career has included leadership roles across Red Bull, ESPN, Specialized, Cannondale, Clif Bar and Olympic projects.Ties Van Dijk, Advocacy and Strategy Specialist at Shimano Europe, leading research and initiatives aimed at removing barriers to cycling and supporting sustainable trail development across Europe.Together, the panel reflects the broad impact the category seeks to recognise, rewarding initiatives that create meaningful benefits for riders, communities and the future of the discipline.BEST PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPH: CELEBRATING THE IMAGES THAT DEFINE A SEASONThe Best Professional Photograph award will honour the single image that best captures the drama, emotion and spirit of the 2026 WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series.The award is open to accredited professional photographers who attended at least one 2026 WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series event. Images must be captured during the 2026 season, be original non-AI photography and be submitted by photographers attending the Lake Placid finale.Photographers can submit their selected image here. Entries will close on 28 September, after which the judging process will begin, followed by the announcement of a shortlist and a public vote to determine the winner.Entries will be judged on:Technical qualityStorytelling and impactCreativity and originalityRepresentation of the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World SeriesOverall aesthetic excellenceThe judging panel includes:Chris Burkard, internationally acclaimed photographer, explorer and creative director whose work documenting adventure sports and wild landscapes has inspired millions around the world. Burkard's photography has featured in global campaigns, bestselling books and TED talks, earning him recognition as one of the most influential visual storytellers in outdoor sports.Michal Červený, one of the most respected photographers in mountain bike, with nearly two decades of experience documenting UCI Mountain Bike World Cups around the world. A familiar presence in the paddock and on the trails, Červený's images have helped shape the visual identity of the discipline while earning the trust and respect of athletes, teams, organisers, and fellow photographers alike.Bethan Fallon, Vice President, European Theatrical Marketing at Warner Bros. Discovery. With more than 20 years of experience leading theatrical marketing campaigns across Europe for some of the world's most successful film franchises, including Harry Potter, The Hobbit, The Dark Knight Trilogy, Barbie, Minecraft and Superman, Bethan brings a unique visual storytelling and entertainment perspective to the judging process.Paweł Kopczyński, Global Sports Editor at Reuters Pictures. With more than 30 years of experience covering the world's biggest sporting events, including the Olympic Games, FIFA World Cups and UCI Cycling World Championships, Kopczyński has helped shape Reuters’ visual storytelling across multiple generations of global sport. A highly respected photo editor and former Reuters photographer, he brings exceptional expertise in sports imagery, storytelling and visual impact to the judging panel.ROOKIE OF THE YEAR: THE NEXT GENERATION MAKING ITS MARKThe Rookie of the Year award recognises the emerging athletes who have made the biggest impression during their first season at the highest level of the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series. From breakthrough victories and consistent results to resilience, professionalism and an ability to connect with fans, the nominees have demonstrated that they are not simply riders to watch in the future. They are already leaving their mark on the discipline.The nominees for the 2026 Rookie of the Year award are:UCI Cross-country World CupMaxime Lhomme has already broken into the top 50 of the UCI Cross-country Olympic (XCO) World Cup standings. His best WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series result is 26th in Pal Arinsal (Andorra).Sina van Thiel, a privateer whose consistency, resilience and professionalism have stood out throughout the season. With two top 20 finishes and a 26th place in the UCI XCO World Cup standings at the time of nomination, Van Thiel has demonstrated an impressive ability to compete at the highest level without the support structure of a factory team.Sara Cortinovis (Unno Factory Racing), who has delivered consistent top 30 performances, including a season-best 22nd place in La Thuile. Cortinovis sits 29th in the UCI XCO World Cup standings.William Handley, one of the few rookies to have competed in every round at the time of nomination despite racing without a team. With top 50 XCO finishes, Handley has demonstrated determination and a clear commitment to his development, including relocating to Lillehammer to pursue his sporting education at the Norwegian College of Elite Sport.UCI Downhill World CupAsa Vermette (Frameworks Racing / TRP) has established himself as one of the standout performers of the season with victory in MONA YongPyong (South Korea), second place in La Thuile, Valle d’Aosta (Italy) and third in Lenzerheide (Switzerland). Currently sitting second in the overall standings, Vermette has combined elite-level race performances with a charismatic personality, a positive attitude and a natural ability to engage younger fans.Max Alran (COMMENCAL/MUC-OFF By Riding Addiction): winner in Les Gets, Haute-Savoie (France) and fifth in Saalfelden Leogang – Salzburgerland (Austria). Currently seventh overall, he has already demonstrated his speed, style and ability to perform under immense pressure.Ellie Hulsebosch (Santa Cruz Syndicate) the highest-ranked female rookie, currently 15th in the overall standings. Her season has included ninth place in Lenzerheide and 11th in Les Gets. Alongside her continued progression on the track, her warmth, openness and genuine connection with younger fans have made her a distinctive and relatable presence within the discipline.Matilda Melton (Yeti / Fox Factory Race Team), currently 19th in the overall standings and the second highest-ranked female rookie. She has qualified for three of the seven UCI Downhill World Cup finals contested at the time of nomination.One award will be presented in each format, with winners selected by elite riders competing on WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series teams.EVENT OF THE YEAR: RECOGNISING EXCELLENCE ON AND OFF THE RACECOURSEThe Event of the Year award celebrates the venue that delivered the most outstanding all-round experience during the 2026 WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series season.While thrilling racing remains at the heart of every round, the success of an event depends on much more than the action on track. From world-class operations and course preparation to athlete services, team facilities, hospitality, fan engagement and atmosphere, this award recognises the organisers and destinations that have gone above and beyond to create a truly exceptional UCI World Cup experience.Every venue that hosted a round of the 2026 WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series is automatically eligible for the award. The winner will be selected by the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series teams, who are uniquely placed to assess the quality, professionalism and overall experience delivered by each host venue.The award aims to recognise not only operational excellence, but also the passion, innovation and commitment shown by local organisers in delivering unforgettable events for competitors, spectators and the global mountain bike community.MOUNTAIN BIKE HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES TO BE HONOURED IN LAKE PLACIDThe Mountain Bike Hall of Fame induction ceremony will form a key part of The Golden Arrows evening, marking the first time since 2015 that the inductions have been staged outside California.The 2026 inductee class includes four individuals whose contributions have helped shape mountain biking across competition, advocacy, innovation and culture for more than four decades:Max Commencal, founder of Sunn and Commencal Bicycles, whose influence has helped shape the evolution of downhill racing and modern mountain bike design.Stan Day, SRAM co-founder and one of the industry's leading innovators, whose work has helped transform drivetrain and component technology.Tracy Moseley, one of the most accomplished female athletes in mountain bike history and a trailblazer for future generations of riders.Greg Minnaar, widely regarded as one of the greatest downhill racers of all time, whose longevity and success have defined an era of the discipline.Further information about the 2026 inductees is available via the Mountain Bike Hall of Fame announcement here.More details on the Golden Arrow award categories, eligibility requirements, as well as the entry and judging criteria are available here.