Sara Kempner/Getty Images

World's Top Downhill Mountain Bike Series Coming to Whistler for First Time in 2026

Originally posted on Powder | By Izzy Lidsky | Last updated Aug 28, 2025 11:06 AM ET

Earlier this week, the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) announced that a new stop would be added for the 2026 season, and beyond, at none other than Whistler Blackcomb's bike park.

While skiers might know Whistler Blackcomb as the largest ski area in North America for it's epic terrain and mega powder days , it's also got a reputation amongst mountain bikers. The Whistler Mountain Bike Park just about rivals the ski area in reputation and fame as being one of the best spots for downhill mountain biking in the world. With incredible machine-cut flow trails like A-Line, high alpine tech descents from Top of the World, and some all-around gnarly trails like Dirt Merchant, Whistler's bike park quite literally has it all.

A bit like FIS in skiing, the UCI oversees a majority of the highest level events in bike racing from road and gravel to XC and downhill mountain biking. The UCI World Cup Downhill series is the most followed event series in mountain biking and has made the careers of some of the best mountain bikers in the world.

Historically, the vast majority of these races have taken place at bike parks in Europe such as Les Gets, Andorra, and La Thuile. The season finale at Mont Sainte Anne, Quebec has been a staple race in the series since its inception and one of the only North American ones until recently. In 2025, Lake Placid will host a UCI World Cup race in October, just before the Mont Sainte Anne race.

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Tegan Cruz races 1199 in front of a large crowd during the RockShox Canadian Open DH at Whistler Blackcomb in 2024. Photo: Sara Kempner/Getty Images

However, starting in 2026, Whistler Blackcomb will be added as another North American UCI World Cup Downhill stop with a race taking place on none other than the formidable tech trail, 1199.

The trail was designed to eventually host high level downhill races such as a UCI World Cup. Previously, the RockShox Canadian Open DH race during Crankworx Whistler has taken place on 1199. The added race comes as an investment in Whistler's off-season to help bridge tourism, keep locals employed, and elevate some of Canada's best athletes.

Notably, some of the top racers on the UCI World Cup Downhill circuit are Canadian, including Jackson Goldstone. Goldstone hails from Squamish, BC, and was raised riding the trails of the Whistler Bike Park, but has never actually raced 1199.

Whistler will be included as a stop on the UCI World Cup Downhill circuit from 2026 through 2028. The inaugural 1199 World Cup race will go down September 26-27, 2026.

This article first appeared on Powder and was syndicated with permission.

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