The Oceania Cycling Confederation (OCC) is delighted to announce Cairns, Australia will host a double header series finale of the Oceania Mountain Bike Continental Series on 16-19 April 2026.

To be held at Smithfield MTB Park, the double header will feature two Cross-country rounds and one downhill round.

Cairns has been a regular host of international mountain biking with its picturesque tropical rainforest setting having hosted the 2017 UCI Mountain Bike World Championships and the 2025 UCI Masters Mountain Bike World Championships.

The Continental Series, was developed by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) and the Continental Confederations to provide high level racing opportunities and a qualification process for riders to earn positions in the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup.

Riders who competed in the inaugural series include Sammie Maxwell, Lachlan Stevens-McNab, Sacha Earnest, Tyler Waite, Oli Clark, Ellie Hulsebosch, Kate Hastings and Jonty Williamson, who all claimed World Cup podiums last year.

With riders who finish in the top five of the overall series standings earning the right to participate in all rounds of the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup in the following season, there is everything to ride for in Cairns as riders look to secure their qualification for 2027.

Additionally riders who finish top three in any round earn a golden ticket to compete in one round of a UCI MTB World Cup within 52 weeks of the qualification.

Oceania Cycling Confederation President and UCI Management Committee Member Tony Mitchell said, “Adding the double header finale in Cairns continues to grow the Oceania Mountain Bike Continental Series, with more racing opportunities and what is sure to be an exciting finish to the series.”

“The Oceania Mountain Bike Continental Series is one of several initiatives the OCC is developing with our National Federations to support the growth of mountain biking and cycling in our region.”

“We are delighted by the growth in just the second year and the strong fields across the series, which is being supported by riders and teams from across Oceania.”

“The OCC extends its thanks to AusCycling, Tourism Events Queensland, Tourism Tropical North Queensland and the Cairns Regional Council for their support and organising another world class cycling event in our region.”

AusCycling Executive General Manager – Major Events Steve Peterson said, “We are excited to establish a new event that will bring high-quality Continental Series racing to the region, taking advantage of the world-class trails and facilities that Cairns has to offer.

“The Cairns Mountain Bike Festival will give elite, under-23, under-19 and emerging riders an opportunity to race at a high level.”

“With UCI points and World Cup starts on the line, events like this are critical for Australian and New Zealand athletes preparing for the international season, whether that’s in Asia, Europe or beyond.”

2026 Oceania Mountain Bike Continental Series
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
Round 5: 18 April 2026 – Oceania Mountain Bike Continental Series Finale, Cairns, Australia
Round 6: 19 April 2026 – Oceania Mountain Bike Continental Series Finale, Cairns, 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
Round 4: 16−19 April – Oceania Mountain Bike Continental Series Finale, Cairns, Australia