Mountain biking is one of the most popular sports across the globe. With that, it doesn’t come as a surprise that countless MTB competitions are being held in different parts of the world. Whether you want to take part in the race yourself or watch your favorite MTB idols race, here are the top best mountain bike competitions in the world that you shouldn’t miss:

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Red Bull Hardline (Wales, UK)

Only the most daring mountain bikers can get the chance to take part in the Red Bull Hardline competition. It is the ultimate test for downhill skills as competitors ride through monster jumps and boulder drops on top of unrelenting weather. Red Bull Hardline isn’t for the timid. One of the toughest downhill mountain bike races in the world returns to Wales’ Dyfi Valley for the biggest gravity event on British soil. The world’s best and bravest riders will take on a course designed by Dan Atherton, and if previous Red Bull Hardlines are any indication, they’re in for a wild ride.

Maribor Downhill World Cup (Maribor, Slovenia)

The Maribor Cup is a competition made for downhillers. Although contestants and spectators need to wait a long time to get into the event, it will definitely be worth the wait as the course is a true test for MTB downhill skills.

Red Bull Copenride (Copenhagen, Denmark)

This MTB event will take place in a custom-built course in the heart of Copenhagen. Twenty participants are selected to ride through the rough terrains and mountainous peaks of the trail. Taking on an urban mountain in the center of Denmark’s capital.

Mountain Bike World Championships (Val di Sole, Italy)

Almost every MTB athlete vies for that much-coveted rainbow jersey and World Champion gold medal. Thousands travel annually to Italy to take their shot at winning the race or cheer from the sidelines.

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Downhill is a race against the clock in which the rider negotiates a succession of fast and technical sections. In order to overcome tree roots, banked sections, bumps, jumps, and other natural obstacles along the way, the participant must demonstrate courage and sharp technical and piloting skills. In the men’s race, speeds exceed 80km/h and in the women’s race, speeds exceed 70km/h.

The Olympic program includes cross-country. Cross-country races are held over undulating circuits (with technical descents, forest roads, rocky paths, and obstacles) lasting 4 to 6 kilometers. Depending on the category, the race lasts between 1 hour 20 minutes and 1 hour 40 minutes.

Pump Track World Championships (Lisbon, Portugal)

MTB riders will surely experience the ride of their lives as they pedal through a near 300-meter pump track specially built for the world’s best pump track riders. In 2021, the race took place in the spectacular city of Lisbon.

Mountain bike competitions not only hone the skills of mountain bikers and inspire more people to join the sport but more importantly, it brings the MTB community closer together. If you’re an avid MTB fan or an aspiring MTB star, make sure to never miss the best mountain bike competitions we listed above.

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