The UCI Mountain Bike World Series is making a big leap toward becoming genuinely international. New additions in Asia and the Western United States, along with South America in 2025, are helping to break up a predominantly European schedule. The result is a little more resonance for the world in “world series.”
PyeongChang, South Korea
Summer lifts in Pyeongchang.
Come next summer, riders will launch the World Series at PyeongChang, the first time the XCO (Olympic Cross‑Country) and XCC (Short‑Track) World Cups are held in Asia, alongside the first Downhill (DHI) World Cup in the continent in 25 years.
Repurposing the terrain and infrastructure of the former 2018 Winter Olympic venue, this full-format weekend promises big names and intense racing in a new environment.
Soldier Hollow, Utah
Soldier’s Hollow. Credit: UCI
Soldier Hollow will host XCC and XCO races, but no Downhill. marking the first World Cup‑level mountain bike event in the Western United States since Angel Fire, New Mexico, hosted in 2005. The venue’s credentials include hosting the 2024 Pan American MTB Championships, and it’s primed to be part of the 2034 Winter Olympic program. Soldier Hollow’s proximity to Park City’s extensive MTB infrastructure makes it appealing for pros and fans alike.
Typically, the U.S. holds a World Cup somewhere on the east coast. This october, the world’s fastest will descend on Lake Placid, New York to throw down.
What The Expansion MeansAsia steps into the spotlight with the full slate of World Cup formats.Western U.S. gets back on the World Series stage after two decades.If South American stops like Brazil remain in 2026, the series will span four continents. The result is something much more like true global competition, though Australia/New Zealand are still absent.Quick Look: Global Expansion TableRegionDisciplinesHistorical SignificanceFeatured VenueAsiaXCO, XCC, DHIFirst ever XCO/XCC in Asia; DHI returns after 25 yrsPyeongChang (Yongpyong)Western USAXCC, XCOFirst U.S. Western stop since 2005Soldier Hollow, UT
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What’s Next?
We await the full 2026 World Series calendar, including event dates and any retained South American stops like Araxá or Mairiporã.
“We’re bringing the Cross‑Country Olympic format to Asia … which will connect new fans to the sport. Additionally, bringing on board one of the world’s premier Cross‑Country destinations in Utah reinforces our commitment to delivering the sport at its highest level.”
– Chris Ball, Vice President of Cycling Events at Warner Bros. Discovery Sports Europe
Final Word
The addition of PyeongChang and Soldier Hollow is good news for mountain biking. Moving towards a truly global cycling community will spark new stoke worldwide. We can’t wait to see how these new tour stops pan out.