COUNTDOWN TO THE GOLDEN ARROWS BEGINS - JUDGING PANELS, AWARD CRITERIA AND MOUNTAIN BIKE HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES CONFIRMED
From recognizing those shaping the present and future of the discipline to celebrating its most iconic images and lasting contributions, The Golden Arrows will spotlight excellence both on and off the racecourse.
14 September 2026 – With the final leg of the season fast approaching and the North American triple-header set to play a decisive role in the battle for the 2026 UCI World Cup titles, Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) Sports has unveiled further details of its inaugural annual awards ceremony, The Golden Arrows. Set to take place on Sunday 4 October at the Olympic Centre in Lake Placid, New York, following the final round of the 2026 WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series, The Golden Arrows will bring together athletes, teams, organizers, media and industry leaders for a celebration of excellence across mountain bike. The annual awards program will honor outstanding achievements both on and off the racecourse through four categories: Event of the Year, Rookie of the Year, Legacy Award and Best Professional Photograph.
The ceremony will also see the presentation of The Summit, the new UCI Mountain Bike World Cup Team Trophy, alongside The Globe, the overall UCI World Cup trophy for the season’s leading riders.
The prestigious Mountain Bike Hall of Fame will also form part of the evening, with four new inductees welcomed into one of the discipline’s highest honors in recognition of their lasting contributions to mountain biking.
LEGACY AWARD: RECOGNISING IMPACT BEYOND THE RACE TAPE
The Legacy Award celebrates teams and Local Organizing Committees (LOCs) that have created a lasting positive impact beyond competition through initiatives linked to sustainability, community engagement, inclusion, youth development, trail stewardship and wider social responsibility.
The winner will be selected by a panel bringing together expertise from elite sport, cycling advocacy, event delivery and mountain bike heritage:
Katerina Nash, UCI Vice-President and President of the UCI Mountain Bike Commission. A five-time Olympian across both cross-country skiing and mountain bike, Nash combines elite sporting experience with extensive leadership within international cycling governance.
Otis Guy, Director of the Mountain Bike Hall of Fame. One of the discipline’s original pioneers, Guy remains one of mountain bike's most respected historians and advocates.
Ravi Rajcoomar, Vice President of the Business Network at PeopleForBikes. An award-winning sports marketing and events specialist whose career has included leadership roles across Red Bull, ESPN, Specialized, Cannondale, Clif Bar and Olympic projects.
Ties Van Dijk, Advocacy and Strategy Specialist at Shimano Europe, leading research and initiatives aimed at removing barriers to cycling and supporting sustainable trail development across Europe.
Together, the panel reflects the broad impact the category seeks to recognize, rewarding initiatives that create meaningful benefits for riders, communities and the future of the discipline.
BEST PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPH: CELEBRATING THE IMAGES THAT DEFINE A SEASON
The Best Professional Photograph award will honor the single image that best captures the drama, emotion and spirit of the 2026 WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series. The award is open to accredited professional photographers who attended at least one 2026 WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series event. Images must be captured during the 2026 season, be original non-AI photography and be submitted by photographers attending the Lake Placid finale. Photographers can submit their selected image here. Entries will close on 28 September, after which the judging process will begin, followed by the announcement of a shortlist and a public vote to determine the winner.
Entries will be judged on:
Technical quality
Storytelling and impact
Creativity and originality
Representation of the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series
Overall aesthetic excellence
The judging panel includes:
Chris Burkard, internationally acclaimed photographer, explorer and creative director whose work documenting adventure sports and wild landscapes has inspired millions around the world. Burkard's photography has featured in global campaigns, bestselling books and TED talks, earning him recognition as one of the most influential visual storytellers in outdoor sports.
Michal Červený, one of the most respected photographers in mountain bike, with nearly two decades of experience documenting UCI Mountain Bike World Cups around the world. A familiar presence in the paddock and on the trails, Červený's images have helped shape the visual identity of the discipline while earning the trust and respect of athletes, teams, organisers, and fellow photographers alike.
Bethan Fallon, Vice President, European Theatrical Marketing at Warner Bros. Discovery. With more than 20 years of experience leading theatrical marketing campaigns across Europe for some of the world's most successful film franchises, including Harry Potter, The Hobbit, The Dark Knight Trilogy, Barbie, Minecraft and Superman, Bethan brings a unique visual storytelling and entertainment perspective to the judging process.
Paweł Kopczyński, Global Sports Editor at Reuters Pictures. With more than 30 years of experience covering the world's biggest sporting events, including the Olympic Games, FIFA World Cups and UCI Cycling World Championships, Kopczyński has helped shape Reuters’ visual storytelling across multiple generations of global sport. A highly respected photo editor and former Reuters photographer, he brings exceptional expertise in sports imagery, storytelling and visual impact to the judging panel.
ROOKIE OF THE YEAR: THE NEXT GENERATION MAKING ITS MARK
The Rookie of the Year award recognizes the emerging athletes who have made the biggest impression during their first season at the highest level of the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series. From breakthrough victories and consistent results to resilience, professionalism and an ability to connect with fans, the nominees have demonstrated that they are not simply riders to watch in the future. They are already leaving their mark on the discipline.
The nominees for the 2026 Rookie of the Year award are:
UCI Cross-country World Cup
Maxime Lhomme has already broken into the top 50 of the UCI Cross-country Olympic (XCO) World Cup standings. His best WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series result is 26th in Pal Arinsal (Andorra).
Sina van Thiel, a privateer whose consistency, resilience and professionalism have stood out throughout the season. With two top 20 finishes and a 26th place in the UCI XCO World Cup standings at the time of nomination, Van Thiel has demonstrated an impressive ability to compete at the highest level without the support structure of a factory team.
Sara Cortinovis (Unno Factory Racing), who has delivered consistent top 30 performances, including a season-best 22nd place in La Thuile. Cortinovis sits 29th in the UCI XCO World Cup standings.
William Handley, one of the few rookies to have competed in every round at the time of nomination despite racing without a team. With top 50 XCO finishes, Handley has demonstrated determination and a clear commitment to his development, including relocating to Lillehammer to pursue his sporting education at the Norwegian College of Elite Sport.
UCI Downhill World Cup
Asa Vermette (Frameworks Racing / TRP) has established himself as one of the standout performers of the season with victory in MONA YongPyong (South Korea), a second place in La Thuile, Valle d’Aosta (Italy) and third in Lenzerheide (Switzerland). Currently sitting second in the overall standings, Vermette has combined elite-level race performances with a charismatic personality, a positive attitude and a natural ability to engage younger fans.
Max Alran (COMMENCAL/MUC-OFF By Riding Addiction): winner in Les Gets, Haute-Savoie (France) and fifth in Saalfelden Leogang – Salzburgerland (Austria). Currently seventh overall, he has already demonstrated his speed, style and ability to perform under immense pressure.
Ellie Hulsebosch (Santa Cruz Syndicate) the highest-ranked female rookie, currently 15th in the overall standings. Her season has included ninth place in Lenzerheide and 11th in Les Gets. Alongside her continued progression on the track, her warmth, openness and genuine connection with younger fans have made her a distinctive and relatable presence within the discipline.
Matilda Melton (Yeti / Fox Factory Race Team), currently 19th in the overall standings and the second highest-ranked female rookie. She has qualified for three of the seven UCI Downhill World Cup finals contested at the time of nomination. One award will be presented in each format, with winners selected by elite riders competing on WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series teams.
EVENT OF THE YEAR: RECOGNIZING EXCELLENCE ON AND OFF THE RACE COURSE
The Event of the Year award celebrates the venue that delivered the most outstanding all-round experience during the 2026 WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series season. While thrilling racing remains at the heart of every round, the success of an event depends on much more than the action on track. From world-class operations and course preparation to athlete services, team facilities, hospitality, fan engagement and atmosphere, this award recognizes the organizers and destinations that have gone above and beyond to create a truly exceptional UCI World Cup experience.
Every venue that hosted a round of the 2026 WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series is automatically eligible for the award. The winner will be selected by the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series teams, who are uniquely placed to assess the quality, professionalism and overall experience delivered by each host venue. The award aims to recognize not only operational excellence, but also the passion, innovation and commitment shown by local organizers in delivering unforgettable events for competitors, spectators and the global mountain bike community.
MOUNTAIN BIKE HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES TO BE HONOURED IN LAKE PLACID
The Mountain Bike Hall of Fame induction ceremony will form a key part of The Golden Arrows evening, marking the first time since 2015 that the inductions have been staged outside California. The 2026 inductee class includes four individuals whose contributions have helped shape mountain biking across competition, advocacy, innovation and culture for more than four decades:
Max Commencal, founder of Sunn and Commencal Bicycles, whose influence has helped shape the evolution of downhill racing and modern mountain bike design.
Stan Day, SRAM co-founder and one of the industry's leading innovators, whose work has helped transform drivetrain and component technology.
Tracy Moseley, one of the most accomplished female athletes in mountain bike history and a trailblazer for future generations of riders.
Greg Minnaar, widely regarded as one of the greatest downhill racers of all time, whose longevity and success have defined an era of the discipline.
Further information about the 2026 inductees is available via the Mountain Bike Hall of Fame announcement here. More details on the Golden Arrow award categories, eligibility requirements, as well as the entry and judging criteria are available here.
I like how Dak seems aware when his conversation starts going slightly negative and then he actively returns to something positive that he did in the race weekend. This is a sign of behind the scenes sports psychology at work.
News from the UCI MTB World Series just in:COUNTDOWN TO THE GOLDEN ARROWS BEGINS - JUDGING PANELS, AWARD CRITERIA AND MOUNTAIN BIKE HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES...
News from the UCI MTB World Series just in:
COUNTDOWN TO THE GOLDEN ARROWS BEGINS - JUDGING PANELS, AWARD CRITERIA AND MOUNTAIN BIKE HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES CONFIRMED
From recognizing those shaping the present and future of the discipline to celebrating its most iconic images and lasting contributions, The Golden Arrows will spotlight excellence both on and off the racecourse.
14 September 2026 – With the final leg of the season fast approaching and the North American triple-header set to play a decisive role in the battle for the 2026 UCI World Cup titles, Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) Sports has unveiled further details of its inaugural annual awards ceremony, The Golden Arrows. Set to take place on Sunday 4 October at the Olympic Centre in Lake Placid, New York, following the final round of the 2026 WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series, The Golden Arrows will bring together athletes, teams, organizers, media and industry leaders for a celebration of excellence across mountain bike. The annual awards program will honor outstanding achievements both on and off the racecourse through four categories: Event of the Year, Rookie of the Year, Legacy Award and Best Professional Photograph.
The ceremony will also see the presentation of The Summit, the new UCI Mountain Bike World Cup Team Trophy, alongside The Globe, the overall UCI World Cup trophy for the season’s leading riders.
The prestigious Mountain Bike Hall of Fame will also form part of the evening, with four new inductees welcomed into one of the discipline’s highest honors in recognition of their lasting contributions to mountain biking.
LEGACY AWARD: RECOGNISING IMPACT BEYOND THE RACE TAPE
The Legacy Award celebrates teams and Local Organizing Committees (LOCs) that have created a lasting positive impact beyond competition through initiatives linked to sustainability, community engagement, inclusion, youth development, trail stewardship and wider social responsibility.
The winner will be selected by a panel bringing together expertise from elite sport, cycling advocacy, event delivery and mountain bike heritage:
Katerina Nash, UCI Vice-President and President of the UCI Mountain Bike Commission. A five-time Olympian across both cross-country skiing and mountain bike, Nash combines elite sporting experience with extensive leadership within international cycling governance.
Otis Guy, Director of the Mountain Bike Hall of Fame. One of the discipline’s original pioneers, Guy remains one of mountain bike's most respected historians and advocates.
Ravi Rajcoomar, Vice President of the Business Network at PeopleForBikes. An award-winning sports marketing and events specialist whose career has included leadership roles across Red Bull, ESPN, Specialized, Cannondale, Clif Bar and Olympic projects.
Ties Van Dijk, Advocacy and Strategy Specialist at Shimano Europe, leading research and initiatives aimed at removing barriers to cycling and supporting sustainable trail development across Europe.
Together, the panel reflects the broad impact the category seeks to recognize, rewarding initiatives that create meaningful benefits for riders, communities and the future of the discipline.
BEST PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPH: CELEBRATING THE IMAGES THAT DEFINE A SEASON
The Best Professional Photograph award will honor the single image that best captures the drama, emotion and spirit of the 2026 WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series. The award is open to accredited professional photographers who attended at least one 2026 WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series event. Images must be captured during the 2026 season, be original non-AI photography and be submitted by photographers attending the Lake Placid finale. Photographers can submit their selected image here. Entries will close on 28 September, after which the judging process will begin, followed by the announcement of a shortlist and a public vote to determine the winner.
Entries will be judged on:
Technical quality
Storytelling and impact
Creativity and originality
Representation of the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series
Overall aesthetic excellence
The judging panel includes:
Chris Burkard, internationally acclaimed photographer, explorer and creative director whose work documenting adventure sports and wild landscapes has inspired millions around the world. Burkard's photography has featured in global campaigns, bestselling books and TED talks, earning him recognition as one of the most influential visual storytellers in outdoor sports.
Michal Červený, one of the most respected photographers in mountain bike, with nearly two decades of experience documenting UCI Mountain Bike World Cups around the world. A familiar presence in the paddock and on the trails, Červený's images have helped shape the visual identity of the discipline while earning the trust and respect of athletes, teams, organisers, and fellow photographers alike.
Bethan Fallon, Vice President, European Theatrical Marketing at Warner Bros. Discovery. With more than 20 years of experience leading theatrical marketing campaigns across Europe for some of the world's most successful film franchises, including Harry Potter, The Hobbit, The Dark Knight Trilogy, Barbie, Minecraft and Superman, Bethan brings a unique visual storytelling and entertainment perspective to the judging process.
Paweł Kopczyński, Global Sports Editor at Reuters Pictures. With more than 30 years of experience covering the world's biggest sporting events, including the Olympic Games, FIFA World Cups and UCI Cycling World Championships, Kopczyński has helped shape Reuters’ visual storytelling across multiple generations of global sport. A highly respected photo editor and former Reuters photographer, he brings exceptional expertise in sports imagery, storytelling and visual impact to the judging panel.
ROOKIE OF THE YEAR: THE NEXT GENERATION MAKING ITS MARK
The Rookie of the Year award recognizes the emerging athletes who have made the biggest impression during their first season at the highest level of the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series. From breakthrough victories and consistent results to resilience, professionalism and an ability to connect with fans, the nominees have demonstrated that they are not simply riders to watch in the future. They are already leaving their mark on the discipline.
The nominees for the 2026 Rookie of the Year award are:
UCI Cross-country World Cup
Maxime Lhomme has already broken into the top 50 of the UCI Cross-country Olympic (XCO) World Cup standings. His best WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series result is 26th in Pal Arinsal (Andorra).
Sina van Thiel, a privateer whose consistency, resilience and professionalism have stood out throughout the season. With two top 20 finishes and a 26th place in the UCI XCO World Cup standings at the time of nomination, Van Thiel has demonstrated an impressive ability to compete at the highest level without the support structure of a factory team.
Sara Cortinovis (Unno Factory Racing), who has delivered consistent top 30 performances, including a season-best 22nd place in La Thuile. Cortinovis sits 29th in the UCI XCO World Cup standings.
William Handley, one of the few rookies to have competed in every round at the time of nomination despite racing without a team. With top 50 XCO finishes, Handley has demonstrated determination and a clear commitment to his development, including relocating to Lillehammer to pursue his sporting education at the Norwegian College of Elite Sport.
UCI Downhill World Cup
Asa Vermette (Frameworks Racing / TRP) has established himself as one of the standout performers of the season with victory in MONA YongPyong (South Korea), a second place in La Thuile, Valle d’Aosta (Italy) and third in Lenzerheide (Switzerland). Currently sitting second in the overall standings, Vermette has combined elite-level race performances with a charismatic personality, a positive attitude and a natural ability to engage younger fans.
Max Alran (COMMENCAL/MUC-OFF By Riding Addiction): winner in Les Gets, Haute-Savoie (France) and fifth in Saalfelden Leogang – Salzburgerland (Austria). Currently seventh overall, he has already demonstrated his speed, style and ability to perform under immense pressure.
Ellie Hulsebosch (Santa Cruz Syndicate) the highest-ranked female rookie, currently 15th in the overall standings. Her season has included ninth place in Lenzerheide and 11th in Les Gets. Alongside her continued progression on the track, her warmth, openness and genuine connection with younger fans have made her a distinctive and relatable presence within the discipline.
Matilda Melton (Yeti / Fox Factory Race Team), currently 19th in the overall standings and the second highest-ranked female rookie. She has qualified for three of the seven UCI Downhill World Cup finals contested at the time of nomination. One award will be presented in each format, with winners selected by elite riders competing on WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series teams.
EVENT OF THE YEAR: RECOGNIZING EXCELLENCE ON AND OFF THE RACE COURSE
The Event of the Year award celebrates the venue that delivered the most outstanding all-round experience during the 2026 WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series season. While thrilling racing remains at the heart of every round, the success of an event depends on much more than the action on track. From world-class operations and course preparation to athlete services, team facilities, hospitality, fan engagement and atmosphere, this award recognizes the organizers and destinations that have gone above and beyond to create a truly exceptional UCI World Cup experience.
Every venue that hosted a round of the 2026 WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series is automatically eligible for the award. The winner will be selected by the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series teams, who are uniquely placed to assess the quality, professionalism and overall experience delivered by each host venue. The award aims to recognize not only operational excellence, but also the passion, innovation and commitment shown by local organizers in delivering unforgettable events for competitors, spectators and the global mountain bike community.
MOUNTAIN BIKE HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES TO BE HONOURED IN LAKE PLACID
The Mountain Bike Hall of Fame induction ceremony will form a key part of The Golden Arrows evening, marking the first time since 2015 that the inductions have been staged outside California. The 2026 inductee class includes four individuals whose contributions have helped shape mountain biking across competition, advocacy, innovation and culture for more than four decades:
Max Commencal, founder of Sunn and Commencal Bicycles, whose influence has helped shape the evolution of downhill racing and modern mountain bike design.
Stan Day, SRAM co-founder and one of the industry's leading innovators, whose work has helped transform drivetrain and component technology.
Tracy Moseley, one of the most accomplished female athletes in mountain bike history and a trailblazer for future generations of riders.
Greg Minnaar, widely regarded as one of the greatest downhill racers of all time, whose longevity and success have defined an era of the discipline.
Further information about the 2026 inductees is available via the Mountain Bike Hall of Fame announcement here. More details on the Golden Arrow award categories, eligibility requirements, as well as the entry and judging criteria are available here.
This feels emblematic of WBD's failures to understand and effectively market the sport of mountain biking. More extensive live race coverage? Nah, let's create an awards show, because TV execs like awards shows.
"The Golden Arrows," "The Summit," "The Globe"... gimme a break. I'm not opposed to WBD giving out some awards or recognition, but this all seems unnecessarily elaborate and self-congratulatory for an organization that just abandoned the elite tier of one of the sport's major disciplines.
This feels emblematic of WBD's failures to understand and effectively market the sport of mountain biking. More extensive live race coverage? Nah, let's create an awards...
This feels emblematic of WBD's failures to understand and effectively market the sport of mountain biking. More extensive live race coverage? Nah, let's create an awards show, because TV execs like awards shows.
"The Golden Arrows," "The Summit," "The Globe"... gimme a break. I'm not opposed to WBD giving out some awards or recognition, but this all seems unnecessarily elaborate and self-congratulatory for an organization that just abandoned the elite tier of one of the sport's major disciplines.
Exactly, big whoop, who cares. Its pretty clear that the only people that consume mtb racing is the core audience. That core audience ain't tuning in to watch dudes in a suit.
Hot take after consuming all of the US open stuff. They need a vet pro class at all of the races. Make it an exhibition or just for fun. With so many of the legends hanging out / managing teams, I just want to see Sam rip corners and Peaty power wheelie out of every berm. Talk about driving engagement.
He hit the floor like an old lady on a cruise ship !
Thanks for the answer guys !
News from the UCI MTB World Series just in:
COUNTDOWN TO THE GOLDEN ARROWS BEGINS - JUDGING PANELS, AWARD CRITERIA AND MOUNTAIN BIKE HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES CONFIRMED
From recognizing those shaping the present and future of the discipline to celebrating its most iconic images and lasting contributions, The Golden Arrows will spotlight excellence both on and off the racecourse.
14 September 2026 – With the final leg of the season fast approaching and the North American triple-header set to play a decisive role in the battle for the 2026 UCI World Cup titles, Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) Sports has unveiled further details of its inaugural annual awards ceremony, The Golden Arrows. Set to take place on Sunday 4 October at the Olympic Centre in Lake Placid, New York, following the final round of the 2026 WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series, The Golden Arrows will bring together athletes, teams, organizers, media and industry leaders for a celebration of excellence across mountain bike. The annual awards program will honor outstanding achievements both on and off the racecourse through four categories: Event of the Year, Rookie of the Year, Legacy Award and Best Professional Photograph.
The ceremony will also see the presentation of The Summit, the new UCI Mountain Bike World Cup Team Trophy, alongside The Globe, the overall UCI World Cup trophy for the season’s leading riders.
The prestigious Mountain Bike Hall of Fame will also form part of the evening, with four new inductees welcomed into one of the discipline’s highest honors in recognition of their lasting contributions to mountain biking.
LEGACY AWARD: RECOGNISING IMPACT BEYOND THE RACE TAPE
The Legacy Award celebrates teams and Local Organizing Committees (LOCs) that have created a lasting positive impact beyond competition through initiatives linked to sustainability, community engagement, inclusion, youth development, trail stewardship and wider social responsibility.
The winner will be selected by a panel bringing together expertise from elite sport, cycling advocacy, event delivery and mountain bike heritage:
Together, the panel reflects the broad impact the category seeks to recognize, rewarding initiatives that create meaningful benefits for riders, communities and the future of the discipline.
BEST PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPH: CELEBRATING THE IMAGES THAT DEFINE A SEASON
The Best Professional Photograph award will honor the single image that best captures the drama, emotion and spirit of the 2026 WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series. The award is open to accredited professional photographers who attended at least one 2026 WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series event. Images must be captured during the 2026 season, be original non-AI photography and be submitted by photographers attending the Lake Placid finale. Photographers can submit their selected image here. Entries will close on 28 September, after which the judging process will begin, followed by the announcement of a shortlist and a public vote to determine the winner.
Entries will be judged on:
The judging panel includes:
ROOKIE OF THE YEAR: THE NEXT GENERATION MAKING ITS MARK
The Rookie of the Year award recognizes the emerging athletes who have made the biggest impression during their first season at the highest level of the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series. From breakthrough victories and consistent results to resilience, professionalism and an ability to connect with fans, the nominees have demonstrated that they are not simply riders to watch in the future. They are already leaving their mark on the discipline.
The nominees for the 2026 Rookie of the Year award are:
UCI Cross-country World Cup
UCI Downhill World Cup
One award will be presented in each format, with winners selected by elite riders competing on WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series teams.
EVENT OF THE YEAR: RECOGNIZING EXCELLENCE ON AND OFF THE RACE COURSE
The Event of the Year award celebrates the venue that delivered the most outstanding all-round experience during the 2026 WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series season. While thrilling racing remains at the heart of every round, the success of an event depends on much more than the action on track. From world-class operations and course preparation to athlete services, team facilities, hospitality, fan engagement and atmosphere, this award recognizes the organizers and destinations that have gone above and beyond to create a truly exceptional UCI World Cup experience.
Every venue that hosted a round of the 2026 WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series is automatically eligible for the award. The winner will be selected by the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series teams, who are uniquely placed to assess the quality, professionalism and overall experience delivered by each host venue. The award aims to recognize not only operational excellence, but also the passion, innovation and commitment shown by local organizers in delivering unforgettable events for competitors, spectators and the global mountain bike community.
MOUNTAIN BIKE HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES TO BE HONOURED IN LAKE PLACID
The Mountain Bike Hall of Fame induction ceremony will form a key part of The Golden Arrows evening, marking the first time since 2015 that the inductions have been staged outside California. The 2026 inductee class includes four individuals whose contributions have helped shape mountain biking across competition, advocacy, innovation and culture for more than four decades:
Further information about the 2026 inductees is available via the Mountain Bike Hall of Fame announcement here.
More details on the Golden Arrow award categories, eligibility requirements, as well as the entry and judging criteria are available here.
I like how Dak seems aware when his conversation starts going slightly negative and then he actively returns to something positive that he did in the race weekend. This is a sign of behind the scenes sports psychology at work.
When I saw it, I thought of ET3's tooth.
Can't help but wonder if Tomac teeth were source of their power...like Samson's hair.
This feels emblematic of WBD's failures to understand and effectively market the sport of mountain biking. More extensive live race coverage? Nah, let's create an awards show, because TV execs like awards shows.
"The Golden Arrows," "The Summit," "The Globe"... gimme a break. I'm not opposed to WBD giving out some awards or recognition, but this all seems unnecessarily elaborate and self-congratulatory for an organization that just abandoned the elite tier of one of the sport's major disciplines.
Exactly, big whoop, who cares. Its pretty clear that the only people that consume mtb racing is the core audience. That core audience ain't tuning in to watch dudes in a suit.
Hot take after consuming all of the US open stuff. They need a vet pro class at all of the races. Make it an exhibition or just for fun. With so many of the legends hanging out / managing teams, I just want to see Sam rip corners and Peaty power wheelie out of every berm. Talk about driving engagement.
WTF????
They don’t even use race tape!
Beyond the pylons just doesn't have the same magic to it
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