SPECIALIZED CACTUS CUP
- Date Sat 14th March 2026 - Sun 15th March 2026
- Time 7:00AM MST
- Location Fountain Hills, Arizona
- Price Free - $149.40
- Races 13 races
- Distances Ultra
Event summary
Get ready for an unforgettable weekend of mountain biking at the SPECIALIZED CACTUS CUP, taking place on March 14-15, 2026, in the stunning Fountain Hills, Maricopa. This year, the iconic Cactus Cup returns with an exciting new 2-day format, perfect for cyclists of all skill levels. Since its inception in 1991, the Cactus Cup has been a staple in the mountain biking community, and this season promises to deliver even more thrills and challenges.
On Saturday, participants can tackle the exhilarating XC 40-Mile Big Loop, followed by an evening Short Track Showdown that will keep the adrenaline pumping. Sunday features the High Voltage XC 20-Mile Sprint, where pros will compete for the coveted title based on their aggregate time across all three races. The event caters to age groupers with two options: the Cactus Cup and the Mini Cup, both offering thrilling race distances and opportunities for combined time victories. Additionally, new relay and duo categories invite friends to team up for a unique racing experience. With the same legendary trails and the vibrant Cactus Cup atmosphere, this is a mountain biking event you won't want to miss!
On Saturday, participants can tackle the exhilarating XC 40-Mile Big Loop, followed by an evening Short Track Showdown that will keep the adrenaline pumping. Sunday features the High Voltage XC 20-Mile Sprint, where pros will compete for the coveted title based on their aggregate time across all three races. The event caters to age groupers with two options: the Cactus Cup and the Mini Cup, both offering thrilling race distances and opportunities for combined time victories. Additionally, new relay and duo categories invite friends to team up for a unique racing experience. With the same legendary trails and the vibrant Cactus Cup atmosphere, this is a mountain biking event you won't want to miss!
Organiser's Description
The Cactus Cup is Back With an All-New 2-Day Format!
Get ready for a fresh take on Arizonas Original Mountain Bike Stage Race, now packing all the action into an epic 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 and this year, were mixing it up with new formats, fresh challenges, and even more ways to race!
WHAT'S NEW?
Weve packed the fun into two stacked days of racing with something for everyone.
FOR THE PROS:
*
SATURDAY:
*
XC 40-Mile Big Loop
*
SHORT TRACK Showdown (evening throwdown!)
*
SUNDAY:
*
HIGH VOLTAGE XC 20-MILE SPRINT
*
PRO CUP WINNER = Aggregate Time of all 3 races
FOR AGE GROUPERS TWO CUP OPTIONS:
*
THE CACTUS CUP
*
SATURDAY: XC 40-Mile (same course as the pros)
*
SUNDAY: XC 20-Mile Sprint
*
WINNER = Combined Time from both days
*
THE MINI CUP
*
SATURDAY: XC 25-Mile
*
SUNDAY: XC 20-Mile Sprint
*
WINNER = Combined Time from both days
FEMALE SIGN NEW TEAM CATEGORIES Ride with a Friend!
*
RELAY: One rider races Saturday, the other Sunday
*
DUO: Ride both days together just finish within 2 minutes of each other!
Whether youre chasing the Cup, teaming up with a buddy, or just out for a desert rip YOU CAN RACE 1, 2, OR BOTH DAYS.
THIS IS THE CACTUS CUP LIKE YOUVE NEVER SEEN IT.
Same iconic trails. Same Cactus Cup vibe. Now with MORE WAYS TO PLAY. Lets ride!
Get ready for a fresh take on Arizonas Original Mountain Bike Stage Race, now packing all the action into an epic 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 and this year, were mixing it up with new formats, fresh challenges, and even more ways to race!
WHAT'S NEW?
Weve packed the fun into two stacked days of racing with something for everyone.
FOR THE PROS:
*
SATURDAY:
*
XC 40-Mile Big Loop
*
SHORT TRACK Showdown (evening throwdown!)
*
SUNDAY:
*
HIGH VOLTAGE XC 20-MILE SPRINT
*
PRO CUP WINNER = Aggregate Time of all 3 races
FOR AGE GROUPERS TWO CUP OPTIONS:
*
THE CACTUS CUP
*
SATURDAY: XC 40-Mile (same course as the pros)
*
SUNDAY: XC 20-Mile Sprint
*
WINNER = Combined Time from both days
*
THE MINI CUP
*
SATURDAY: XC 25-Mile
*
SUNDAY: XC 20-Mile Sprint
*
WINNER = Combined Time from both days
FEMALE SIGN NEW TEAM CATEGORIES Ride with a Friend!
*
RELAY: One rider races Saturday, the other Sunday
*
DUO: Ride both days together just finish within 2 minutes of each other!
Whether youre chasing the Cup, teaming up with a buddy, or just out for a desert rip YOU CAN RACE 1, 2, OR BOTH DAYS.
THIS IS THE CACTUS CUP LIKE YOUVE NEVER SEEN IT.
Same iconic trails. Same Cactus Cup vibe. Now with MORE WAYS TO PLAY. Lets ride!
Races
-
Pro Cactus Cup
Incl. $9.28 Fee & T-Shirt
Sat 14th March 2026 (9:00AM MST)
$147.28
OPENS 04 SEPchequered 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. $9.28 Fee & T-Shirt
Sat 14th March 2026 (9:00AM MST)
$147.28
OPENS 04 SEPThe 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. $9.28 Fee & T-Shirt
Sat 14th March 2026 (9:00AM MST)
$147.28
OPENS 04 SEPThe 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 14th March 2026 (7:00AM MST)
$96.40
OPENS 04 SEPOne 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 14th March 2026 (9:00AM MST)
$96.40
OPENS 04 SEPOne 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 14th March 2026 (11:00AM MST)
$48.70
OPENS 04 SEPThe 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 15th March 2026 (8:00AM MST)
$75.20
OPENS 04 SEPOne loop incorporating different parts of this iconic part with several spicy climbs amidst the Saguaro cactus and wildflowers! -
Gravel Shakeout
Sun 15th March 2026 (11:00AM MST)
Free
OPENS 04 SEPInterested 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. $9.40 Fee & T-Shirt
Sat 14th March 2026 (7:30AM MST)
$149.40
OPENS 04 NOVKids 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 14th March 2026 (2:30PM MST)
$11.60
OPENS 04 SEPThe 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 14th March 2026 (2:30PM MST)
$38.10
OPENS 04 SEPAdvanced - 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 14th March 2026 (2:30PM MST)
$38.10
OPENS 04 SEPAdvanced - 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 14th March 2026 (9:30AM MST)
$11.60
OPENS 04 SEPFor the little shredders! All racing takes place at the pump track
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