PHOENIX, Arizona (February 14, 2023) — It’s been a long winter for many mountain bikers. If you’re suffering from cabin fever, want to test your early-season fitness, or just need a weekend of fun in the sun, mark your calendar for this year’s Specialized Cactus Cup.
Arizona’s original mountain bike stage race is back with three days of adrenaline-fueled racing and family-friendly events. Festivities kick off at McDowell Mountain Regional Park on Friday, March 10, and run through Sunday, March 12.
“I’ve been racing the Cactus Cup since 1996. It’s great to have an early-season event to target as a way to motivate my training over the winter. We now make a family vacation out of it, and both my son and I race. With a contained venue, pump track and skills park for the kids and warm weather, it’s the perfect place for us to spend our spring break. I can’t think of a better way to kick off the season,” said 12-time National Mountain Bike Champion Todd Wells.
The three-day stage race includes a mountain bike time trial/short-track race, a 40-mile cross-country race, and an XC-focused enduro. The top professional and amateur mountain bike racers will go head-to-head in pursuit of a $7,000 cash purse. There will also be sport beginner, age group, and e-bike categories that cater to riders of all fitness levels.
In addition to racing, this year’s Cactus Cup features non-competitive fun rides and family-friendly events, including a kids’ mountain bike camp that will allow parents to race while their kids develop new skills and make new friends.
“We think we’ve got the perfect mix of competition and festivities at this year’s Cactus Cup. No matter what your age or ability level, you’ll have a great time soaking up the Arizona sun and challenging yourself on our singletrack trails,” said event promoter Sage Melley.
