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Australia will host three rounds of the 2026 Oceania Mountain Bike Continental Series across cross-country and downhill.
Starting in January and running through to March the series will include four cross-country rounds and three rounds for downhill in Australia and New Zealand.
The Continental Series, now in its second edition was developed by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) and the five UCI Continental Confederations to provide high level racing opportunities and a qualification process for riders to earn positions in the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup.
The top five riders in the overall standings of the Oceania Mountain Bike Continental Series will have the right to participate in all rounds of the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup in the following season.
Riders will also be eligible to earn a golden ticket to compete in one round of a UCI MTB World Cup by finishing in the top three of an Oceania Continental Series round.
Cross-country
Round 1: 24 January 2026 - MTB New Zealand National Series, Christchurch, New Zealand
Round 2: 25 January 2026 - MTB New Zealand National Series, Christchurch, New Zealand
Round 3: 28 February 2026 - AusCycling MTB National Series, Mt Stromlo, Australia
Round 4: 1 March 2026 - AusCycling MTB National Series, Mt Stromlo, Australia
Downhill
Round 1: 16-18 January 2026 - MTB New Zealand National Series, Methven, New Zealand
Round 2: 19-22 February 2026 - Crankworx Christchurch, Christchurch, New Zealand
Round 3: 28 February - 1 March 2026 - AusCycling MTB Downhill National Series, Falls Creek, Australia
Oceania Cycling Confederation President and UCI Management Committee Member Tony Mitchell said the OCC is pleased to support the continued growth of mountain biking in our region with the Oceania Mountain Bike Continental Series continuing in 2026.
"Following a successful inaugural series last year, the 2026 series will see four rounds for cross-country and three rounds for downhill.
"We extend our thanks to the UCI as well as AusCycling, Cycling New Zealand and MTB New Zealand and organisers for supporting and delivering the series to a world class standard," he said.
Steve Peterson, AusCycling Executive General Manager - Major Events said it will be another big year for the series.
"It’s great to be back supporting a series that gives Australian and New Zealand riders a clear pathway to the world stage.
"Huge thanks to MTB NZ and the OCC for jumping in with us, and to our hosts for stepping up to deliver these pivotal events."
Photo Credit: Blissfield Photography