Elite adaptive cyclists from across the United States will compete for national titles in Bentonville, Arkansas, when the city hosts the 2026 USA Cycling Paracycling Road National Championships on April 11-12.
The two-day event will feature racing along a closed course near Fulbright Junior High School and Wolf Park Mountain Bike Trail, with athletes competing across multiple classifications in both time trials and head-to-head road racing.
Time Trials Open the Championships Saturday
Competition begins Saturday, April 11, at 9 a.m. with Individual Time Trials on a 6.3-kilometer course. Athletes race one at a time against the clock, completing multiple laps with the fastest overall time in each classification earning the national title.
Time trial classifications include:
- Handcycles (H classes)
- Tricycles (T classes)
- Standard bicycles with adaptations (C classes)
- Tandem bicycles for visually impaired athletes and their sighted pilots (B class)
Road Racing Brings Head-to-Head Action Sunday
Sunday, April 12, shifts the competition to head-to-head road racing on a 5.5-kilometer course, beginning at 9 a.m. Athletes in the same classification start together and race multiple laps, with the first rider across the finish line in each classification claiming the national title.
Unlike time trials, road racing allows for tactical moves including breakaways, drafting and sprints to the finish.
Why Bentonville?
Bentonville has earned a national reputation as one of the premier cycling destinations in the United States. Often called the Mountain Biking Capital of the World, the city features more than 80 miles of trails within its city limits, making it a natural fit for a national championship event.
“Hosting the USA Cycling Paracycling Road National Championships is an incredible honor for Bentonville and a big moment for our cycling community,” said Kalene Griffith, president and CEO of Visit Bentonville. “Cycling is a defining part of Bentonville’s culture, and welcoming these incredible athletes to compete for national honors reflects our commitment to inclusive, world-class experiences.”
USA Cycling President and CEO Brendan Quirk said Bentonville’s infrastructure and community made it the right choice.
“Bentonville’s cycling infrastructure, passionate community, and reputation as a premier cycling destination make it an ideal host for this championship event,” Quirk said. “We’re excited to welcome the nation’s top paracyclists to compete in a community that truly embraces the sport.”
How to Register and What to Know
Competitors must be at least 14 years old and meet USA Cycling eligibility, licensing and citizenship requirements. Certified paracyclists can register at roadnats.usacycling.org. A full schedule and course maps are also available at usacycling.org.
Spectators are welcome, and admission is free.
The 2026 USA Cycling Paracycling Road National Championships take place April 11-12 in Bentonville, Arkansas. For more on cycling events and outdoor adventure in Arkansas, visit ArkansasOutside.com.
This article was originally published on ArkansasOutside.com, your trusted source for outdoor news and updates in The Natural State. Unless otherwise credited, all photos included in this piece are the property of Arkansas Outside, LLC. We take pride in sharing the beauty and adventures of Arkansas through our lens—thank you for supporting our work!
