The Specialized Cactus Cup is back in full force with some new format modifications for 2026! Kick off your season with racing, shakeout rides, pro panels, along with tons of stuff for kids. Just an hour from Phoenix at McDowell Mountain Regional Park. Camp, Ride, Sleep, Repeat.
In 2026, The Cactus Cup takes on a new format—three days of festival, two days of racing.
The weekend kicks off Friday with a full day of fun: pro athlete panels, sponsor demos, skills clinics, a kids business fair and an expo with the latest gear. It’s the perfect chance to connect with the community, learn from the best, and enjoy the festival atmosphere before the racing begins.
Saturday and Sunday bring the competition to the desert. Saturday features the classic cross-country racing with distances for every rider—plus kids’ racing and camp. Saturday ends with the excitement filled Pro Short Track event. Sunday closes out with the new XC Sprint, a short, fast, high-energy course. Overall cup winners and Pro prize purse based on combined performance across both race days.
This year, riders have more ways to take on the Cactus Cup:
2-Day Solo – Tackle both race days on your own: XC 40 Mile + XC Sprint = Cactus Cup | XC 25 Mile + XC Sprint = Mini Cup
2-Day Duo – Team up with a partner and race side-by-side through the full weekend.
2-Day Relay – Split the challenge with a teammate by alternating race days.
