SPECIALIZED CACTUS CUP
- Date Fri 12th March 2027 - Sun 14th March 2027
- Time 4:00PM MST
- Location Fountain Hills, Arizona
- Price $11.60 - $160.00
- Races 14 races
- Distances Ultra, 1 Mile
Event summary
Participants can choose from a variety of race options, including the challenging XC 40-Mile Big Loop and the Short Track Showdown on Saturday, followed by a 20-Mile Sprint on Sunday. Age groupers can opt for the full experience with the Cactus Cup or Mini Cup, or simply race on a single day—there's a perfect fit for everyone! Whether you're aiming for the podium or just want to soak in the fantastic vibes of the desert, the Cactus Cup is set to deliver an unforgettable weekend of fun, competition, and camaraderie. Join us for two packed days of racing and let’s ride!
Organiser's Description
Arizonas Original Mountain Bike Stage Race is back with another action-packed 2-day weekend of desert riding, fast racing, and good times.
Since 1991, The Cactus Cup has been the season kickoff for mountain bikers of all levels. In 2027, were bringing back the 2-day format with iconic trails, multiple race options, and plenty of ways to take on the weekend.
THE 2027 FORMAT
FOR THE PROS
SATURDAY
* XC 40-Mile Big Loop
* Short Track Showdown an evening throwdown!
SUNDAY
* XC 20-Mile Sprint
PRO CUP WINNER: AGGREGATE TIME FROM ALL THREE RACES
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FOR AGE GROUPERS CHOOSE YOUR CUP
OPTION 1: THE CACTUS CUP
SATURDAY: XC 40-MILE SAME COURSE AS THE PROS
SUNDAY: XC 20-MILE SPRINT
WINNER: COMBINED TIME FROM BOTH DAYS
OPTION 2: THE MINI CUP
SATURDAY: XC 25-MILE
SUNDAY: XC 20-MILE SPRINT
WINNER: COMBINED TIME FROM BOTH DAYS
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JUST WANT TO RACE ONE DAY? YOU CAN DO THAT TOO.
Race Saturday, race Sunday, or make a full weekend of it and take on one of the two-day Cup options.
Whether youre chasing the podium or just looking for a fast desert rip, theres a way to make the Cactus Cup weekend your own.
THE CACTUS CUP IS BACK FOR 2027.
Same iconic trails. Same legendary Cactus Cup vibe. TWO PACKED DAYS OF RACING.
LETS RIDE!
Races
-
Pro Cactus Cup
Incl. $10.00 Fee & T-Shirt
Sat 13th March 2027 (8:00AM MST)
$160.00
chequered flag For the Pros: Saturday: person mountain biking XC 40-Mile Big Loop repeat button Short Track Showdown (evening throwdown!) Sunday: high voltage XC 20-Mile Sprint trophy Pro Cup Winner = Aggregate Time of all 3 races -
Cactus Cup
Incl. $10.00 Fee & T-Shirt
Sat 13th March 2027 (8:00AM MST)
$160.00
The Cactus Cup Saturday: XC 40-Mile (same course as the pros) Sunday: XC 20-Mile Sprint trophy Winner = Combined Time from both days -
Mini Cup
Incl. $10.00 Fee & T-Shirt
Sat 13th March 2027 (9:25AM MST)
$160.00
The Mini Cup Saturday: XC 25-Mile Sunday: XC 20-Mile Sprint trophy Winner = Combined Time from both days -
Xc - 40 Mile
Incl. $6.40 Fee & T-Shirt
Sat 13th March 2027 (8:00AM MST)
$96.40
One big loop within the Regional Park. Smooth and flowy with sections of rocky climbs and descents -
Xc - 25 Mile
Incl. $6.40 Fee & T-Shirt
Sat 13th March 2027 (9:25AM MST)
$96.40
One loop within the Regional Park encompassing all competitive track trails and a portion of Pemberton -
Xc - 10 Mile
Incl. $3.70 Fee & T-Shirt
Sat 13th March 2027 (11:00AM MST)
$48.70
The 10 mile course begins west of the finish arch hitting the Sport Loop, connecting to Tech, to Long loop. You will lap past the finish line for a final 3 mile sport loop then find yourself at the finish line! https://thecactuscup.com/xc/ 10MileTab -
Xc Sprint - 20 Mile
Incl. $5.20 Fee & T-Shirt
Sun 14th March 2027 (8:00AM MST)
$75.20
One loop incorporating different parts of this iconic part with several spicy climbs amidst the Saguaro cactus and wildflowers! -
Gravel Shakeout
Incl. $2.20 Fee
Sun 14th March 2027 (10:00AM MST)
$22.20
Interested in gravel but not quite sure what it is? Just need a rdie with some new people? Like to ride bikes but mountain bikes not your jam? No biggie, we got you. This is a casual social ride, on gravel, with our awesome friends from MMC leading the group. -
Kids Mountain Bike Camp
Incl. $10.00 Fee & T-Shirt
Sat 13th March 2027 (8:30AM MST)
$160.00
Kids ages 6 - 12 can participate in the kids mountain bike camp on Saturday while you race the XC! -
LITTLE SHREDDERS RACE (Beginner Kinder - 5th Grade)
Incl. $1.60 Fee
Sat 13th March 2027 (2:30PM MST)
$11.60
The beginner or First Timer Kinder 5th grade will start and race within the venue completing a 0.5 mile loop. All riders will start on the line together but scored per gender and grade level -
ADVANCED KIDS RACE (1st - 5th Grade)
Incl. $3.10 Fee
Sat 13th March 2027 (2:30PM MST)
$38.10
Advanced - Race on the Sport Loop, 1 lap 1st 5th grade: Each grade will have its own wave start. Girls and Boys will start on the line together but will be scored separately. Course: 1 Lap of the Sport Loop: 3 Miles -
ADVANCED KIDS RACE (6th - 8th Grade)
Incl. $3.10 Fee
Sat 13th March 2027 (2:30PM MST)
$38.10
Advanced - Race on the Sport Loop, 2 laps 6th 8th grade: Each grade will have its own wave start. Girls and Boys will start on the line together but will be scored separately. Course: 2 Laps of the Sport Loop: 6 Miles total -
KIDS BALANCE BIKE RACE - Ages 1-5
Incl. $1.60 Fee
Sat 13th March 2027 (10:30AM MST)
$11.60
For the little shredders! All racing takes place at the pump track -
Vintage Criterium Race
Incl. $3.40 Fee
Fri 12th March 2027 (4:00PM MST)
$43.40
Pre-1999 classic mountain bike race. Period correct components including 26" wheels. The race is a dirt crit on a 1 mile course for 20 min plus 2 laps.
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16300 McDowell Mountain Park Dr., Fountain Hills, 85263, AZ, United States
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SPECIALIZED CACTUS CUP
