{"id":10757,"date":"2026-05-13T08:38:54","date_gmt":"2026-05-13T06:38:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/43ride.com\/en\/?p=10757"},"modified":"2026-05-13T08:39:14","modified_gmt":"2026-05-13T06:39:14","slug":"new-track-new-stages-new-schedule-full-program-the-whoop-uci-mountain-bike-world-series-returns-to-saalfelden-leogang","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/43ride.com\/en\/events\/2026\/new-track-new-stages-new-schedule-full-program-the-whoop-uci-mountain-bike-world-series-returns-to-saalfelden-leogang\/","title":{"rendered":"New track, new stages, new schedule, full program \u2013 the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series returns to Saalfelden Leogang"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

New season, new challenges: the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series kicked off its 2026 campaign on 1 May in South Korea, and plenty has already changed. But some things remain constant \u2013 including the iconic Triple Header in Saalfelden Leogang from 11\u201314 June. Once again, bike fans can look forward not only to world-class Cross-country, Downhill and Enduro racing, but also to a packed side program in Austria’s largest bike region Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Photo: Patrick Wasshub<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

New track, new stages, new schedule<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The action gets underway on Friday with the Cross-country Short Track (XCC) Elite races on the intense 1.1-kilometre sprint course at the base of the Asitz gondola. Sina Frei (Specialized Factory Racing) and Mathis Azzaro (Origine Racing Division) already laid down early markers with their first UCI XCC World Cup wins of 2026, but with the season still young, the cards will definitely be reshuffled in Saalfelden Leogang. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Photo: Patrick Wasshub<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Saturday belongs to the downhill riders. On the legendary Speedster track at EPIC Bikepark Leogang, riders will battle through rock gardens, root sections, the famous “Motorway” and the notorious “Vali’s H\u00f6lle” over 2.5 kilometers at speeds of up to 65 km\/h, all in pursuit of the crowns currently held by reigning winners Gracey Hemstreet (Norco X adidas Race Division) and Jackson Goldstone (Santa Cruz Syndicate). Vali H\u00f6ll (Commencal Schwalbe By Les Orres) and Asa Vermette (Frameworks Racing \/ TRP) already impressed in South Korea and are among the top favorites heading into Austria \u2013 alongside local hero Andi Kolb (Santa Cruz Syndicate). One major new feature for 2026: for the very first time, the Elite Women final will be the headline event of a UCI Downhill World Cup weekend, putting the fastest women in the world firmly in the spotlight as the final race of the day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The UCI World Cup in Leogang is something really special for me every single year. You can just feel how much passion everyone behind the event has for racing. Everything is thought through, everything works \u2013 it’s probably the best organized race we have all season. Then there’s the incredible atmosphere throughout the whole weekend and, of course, the view of the mountains around Leogang, which is always a personal highlight for me. The Speedster track itself is super diverse: big berms, technical sections, high-speed parts on the Motorway and the steep woods down below \u2013 it really has everything and challenges every rider out there. And of course, whenever I line up in Leogang, the goal is always to fight for the win.<\/p>Andreas Kolb<\/cite><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Sunday is all about endurance. The Cross-country Olympic (XCO) races will take place on a heavily reworked four-kilometer course, promising even more exciting racing for riders like South Korea winners Sina Frei and Dario Lillo (Giant Factory Off-Road Team \u2013 XC), UCI World Champion Jenny Rissveds (Canyon XC Racing), and local favorites Laura Stigger (Specialized Factory Racing) and Mona Mitterwallner (Mondraker Factory Racing XC), while also delivering even more action for spectators. Details about the final course layout will be revealed soon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It’s always special racing in front of a home crowd. It definitely gives you some extra motivation to push yourself to the limit. On the track, it’s all about finding the right mindset, having fun and enjoying the chance to race in front of friends and family. I think we’re going to see some really exciting racing again this year. The UCI World Cup in Saalfelden Leogang will once again be a huge bike festival with an amazing atmosphere. It’s going to be awesome.<\/p>Laura Stigger<\/cite><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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Laura Stigger \/ photo: Patrick Wasshub<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Still under wraps are the brand-new stages for the UCI Enduro World Cup, also taking place on Sunday. Covering around 70 kilometers across Austria’s largest bike region Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn, the course will challenge the world’s best Enduro athletes, including reigning overall UCI World Cup champion Ella Conolly \u2013 already victorious in Saalfelden Leogang last year \u2013 and overall men’s champion Slawomir \u0141ukasik (Yeti\/Fox Factory Race Team). While Cross-country and Downhill already head into their third UCI World Cup stop of the season, the Enduro riders will only meet for round two. Ambitious amateur riders can once again experience real UCI World Cup vibes themselves in the Enduro Open format.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The variety of the stages is what makes Saalfelden Leogang such a special stop for me as an Enduro rider. From slow and technical to fast and flowy \u2013 and hopefully with some fresh cut thrown in too \u2013 you usually get a bit of everything in Leogang. The X-Line stage is always epic, and having fans on the side of the track makes such a difference, especially on the long stages when your body is screaming and the crowd pushes you on. What really sets Saalfelden Leogang apart though is the epic backdrop and scenery… and the schnitzel! With all three disciplines at one venue, this UCI world cup always provides tonnes of exciting racing in an incredible atmosphere.<\/p>Greg Callaghan, veteran enduro rider<\/cite><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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Photo: Patrick Wasshub<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

More than racing: A full weekend of bike experiences<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Away from the race tracks, Saalfelden Leogang offers a packed program for all ages. The Expo Area and Team Areas provide plenty of opportunities to connect with the scene \u2013 from behind-the-scenes insights into the race teams to the latest product highlights from the bike industry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fans should not miss the FOX athlete signing sessions on Saturday, customized Stance socks at Sport Mitterer, and a signing session with local superstar Vali H\u00f6ll at the stand of Austria’s largest bike region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Photo: Moritz Ablinger<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The event kicks off as early as Wednesday with a special Kids Press Conference featuring local schoolchildren, giving the next generation a close-up look at UCI World Cup racing. Friday is dedicated to young fans as well: during the “School Day”, registered school classes receive free admission and goodie bags.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The event also continues to raise the bar organizationally. A free supervised bike parking area makes arriving by bike easier than ever, while event tickets also serve as public transport passes in the state of Salzburg for sustainable travel to and from the venue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Photo: Moritz Ablinger<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Last but definitely not least, around 350 volunteers from Saalfelden Leogang and Saalbach Hinterglemm help make the event happen behind the scenes, ensuring a smooth race weekend and an unforgettable experience for athletes and fans alike.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once again, the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series in Saalfelden Leogang promises a complete bike experience \u2013 on and off the track.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Race program:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n