The Ozark Foundation has announced the launch of the OZ Stage Race, a new three-day mountain bike stage race set for May 21–24, 2026, over Memorial Day weekend in Northwest Arkansas.
Billed as the crown jewel of the OZ Trails network, the OZ Stage Race will feature three point-to-point stages in Bentonville and Bella Vista. Each stage will range from 32 to 50 miles and will include a mix of pavement, gravel, double track, and single-track terrain. Riders can enter individually or as two-person teams, with professional and amateur divisions available. Organizers plan to cap registration at 400 participants in the event’s inaugural year.
The race will be produced by the Ozark Foundation, known for events such as Expedition Ozark, the U.S. Pro Cup, and the Arkansas Enduro Series. Jamie Cathey, who brings more than a decade of experience managing outdoor recreation events, will serve as event director.
“The OZ Stage Race will be more than a competition, it will be an experience,” Cathey said. “It will showcase our world-class OZ Trails system, but it will also highlight everything that makes Northwest Arkansas such a unique and vibrant destination.”
Kevin Tucker of the Ozark Foundation will serve as race director. Tucker also has more than 10 years of experience managing multi-day cycling events. “Like all our events, OZ Stage Race will offer great racing and an elevated OZ Trails experience with a few surprises mixed in,” Tucker said.
Michael Spivey, president and CEO of the Ozark Foundation, said the organization has long envisioned a race of this kind. “A multi-day mountain bike stage race has long been a dream of ours and is one of the few remaining offroad events needed in our region,” Spivey said. “This event will offer a healthy mix of punchy climbing, flow and technicality. We aim to make it one of the premier, multi-day, off road events in North America.”
Registration information, course maps, and event updates will be posted at ozstagerace.com, and announcements will be shared on Instagram and Facebook at @ozstagerace.
The Ozark Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that partners with organizations to host and operate outdoor recreation events throughout Arkansas. Its mission is to promote healthy, enriching outdoor experiences and to position the state as a leading destination for outdoor adventure.
OZ Trails, headquartered in Bentonville, features more than 500 miles of shared-use trails and promotes recreation through a community of riders, runners, and outdoor enthusiasts.
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One Response
What are exact days of the race over the Memorial Day weekend?