2026 MTB MARATHON & STAGE RACE CALENDAR: THE ULTIMATE GLOBAL GUIDE
2026 ROAD CYCLING GRAN FONDO CALENDAR: THE ULTIMATE GLOBAL GUIDE
2026 MTB MARATHON & STAGE RACE CALENDAR: THE ULTIMATE GLOBAL GUIDE
2026 MTB MARATHON & STAGE RACE CALENDAR: THE ULTIMATE GLOBAL GUIDE
From the dusty trails of South Africa to the jagged limestone peaks of the Dolomites, 2026 is set to be a year of epic climbs and technical descents. Whether you are a "Marathon Man" or a Stage Race enthusiast, here is your month-by-month dirt roadmap.
JANUARY & FEBRUARY: DUST AND WINTER TRAINING
While the Alps are covered in snow, the MTB world looks to the deserts and the Mediterranean islands.
Jan 25 - 30, 2026 | Costa Blanca Bike Race (Spain): A classic 4-stage race to kick off the season in the sun.
Feb 1 - 6, 2026 | Saudi Desert Epic (Saudi Arabia): A massive desert stage race for those seeking extreme landscapes.
Feb 15, 2026 | Mediterranean Epic (Spain): A high-level 4-stage UCI race in Oropesa del Mar.
Feb 22, 2026 | Castro Legend (Italy): The first major Italian marathon on the rocky trails of Puglia (Salento).
MARCH: THE HOLY GRAIL OF MTB
Mar 15 - 22, 2026 | Absa Cape Epic (South Africa): The "Tour de France of MTB." The most prestigious 8-stage race on the planet.
Mar 22, 2026 | Granfondo Castello di Monteriggioni (Italy): The traditional Tuscan opener through the medieval walls of Monteriggioni.
APRIL: SPRING CLASSICS & GARDALAKE
Apr 12, 2026 | Tiliment Marathon Bike (Italy): A rugged UCI marathon in Friuli, famous for its riverbed crossings.
Apr 19, 2026 | Roc d'Ardenne (Belgium): The Belgian sister of the famous Roc d'Azur, held in the technical Houffalize forests.
Apr 26, 2026 | Rocky Mountain Bike Marathon (Italy): Held during the Riva del Garda Bike Festival. Three routes overlooking Lake Garda.
MAY: THE RISE OF THE MARATHONS
May 3, 2026 | Capoliveri Legend Cup (Italy): A World-class marathon on the Island of Elba. Steep climbs and stunning coastal singletracks.
May 17, 2026 | Costa degli Etruschi Epic (Italy): Fast and fun trails through the Tuscan pines in Cecina.
May 24, 2026 | Nove Fossi (Italy): A historic race in Cingoli (Marche), known as the "Balcony of the Marche."
JUNE: INTO THE HIGH ALPS
Jun 6, 2026 | BMW Hero Südtirol Dolomites (Italy): The world’s toughest MTB marathon. 86km with 4,500m of elevation through the Sella Ronda.
Jun 14, 2026 | Alpentour Trophy (Austria): A grueling 4-stage race in Schladming.
Jun 20, 2026 | Dolomiti Superbike (Italy): A legendary race in Villabassa. Fast, scenic, and iconic.
Jun 28, 2026 | MB Race (France): Known as "the most difficult race in the world," with a 140km distance option near Mont Blanc.
JULY: GLACIERS AND PEAKS
July 5, 2026 | Südtirol Helkirace (Italy): A high-altitude marathon in the shadow of the Three Peaks of Lavaredo.
July 12, 2026 | Transalp (Germany/Austria/Italy): The most famous multi-day crossing of the Alps. 7 stages of pure mountain bliss.
July 18, 2026 | Salzkammergut Trophy (Austria): Famous for the "A-Route" (211km), starting at 5:00 AM. Only for the brave.
AUGUST: WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS & WILDERNESS
Aug 15, 2026 | Grand Raid BCVS (Switzerland): The legendary Verbier-Grimentz crossing. 125km of pure Alpine challenge.
Aug 23, 2026 | Leadville Trail 100 MTB (USA): The most famous high-altitude race in the US, held at 3,000m+ in Colorado.
Aug 30, 2026 | Kronplatz King (Italy): A unique marathon finishing at the 2,275m summit of Plan de Corones.
SEPTEMBER: THE FINALE
Sept 6, 2026 | Mythos Primiero Dolomiti (Italy): A challenging marathon through the Pale di San Martino.
Sept 20, 2026 | Sella Ronda Hero Kids/E-Bike events (Italy): Closing the season in the heart of the Dolomites.
Sept 27, 2026 | Sea Otter Europe (Spain): A massive bike festival in Girona with marathon and XC races.
OCTOBER: THE END-OF-SEASON PARTY
Oct 11, 2026 | Roc d'Azur (France): The world's largest MTB event in Fréjus. A true celebration of the sport with over 20,000 riders.
Pro Tips for 2026 MTB Season:
Stage Race Prep: Events like the Cape Epic or Transalp require booking months (or a year) in advance. Check for "early bird" slots in May 2025.
Hero Dolomites: This race has very strict time cuts. If you plan to ride it, focus on sustained climbs of 60-90 minutes during your spring training.
Tyre Choice: For the Italian Dolomites, use reinforced sidewalls (e.g., Maxxis EXO or Schwalbe SuperGround) to handle the sharp limestone rocks.