Elite mountain bike racing is coming back to Fayetteville this week as the Walmart U.S. Pro Cup presented by Honey Stinger opens the 2026 U.S. XC Open Series at Centennial Park. The event draws professional riders, rising junior athletes, and amateurs from across the country to one of the most technically demanding cross-country courses in North America.
A World-Class Course in the Arkansas Ozarks
The race course covers 2.9 miles of varied terrain inside Centennial Park. Riders tackle rock drops, fast flow sections, and punishing climbs over multiple laps. The course has previously hosted UCI Mountain Bike World Cup events, giving it an international pedigree that few venues in the United States can match. As a result, Fayetteville has built a reputation as a premier destination for competitive cross-country mountain biking.
Short-Track Racing Kicks Off Friday
Action begins Friday, March 20, with short-track racing. The shorter, faster format puts riders in proximity and typically produces aggressive, tactical competition. Elite Women take the start line first at 10:30 a.m., followed by Elite Men at 11 a.m. Short-track racing rewards explosive power and technical precision, making it a compelling preview of Saturday’s longer events.
Main Races and Festival Atmosphere on Saturday
Saturday, March 21, is the main spectator day. Elite Women race at noon, and Elite Men follow at 2 p.m. Both races will unfold over multiple laps of the full cross-country course, allowing fans to post up at key features and watch the field come through repeatedly. One of the most popular viewing spots is World Cup obstacle No. 5, locally known as “The Big Drop.” A live DJ will be stationed there throughout the day, keeping energy levels high for both riders and spectators.
Free Admission and Family-Friendly Activities
Beyond the racing, Saturday offers a full festival experience. Food trucks and a cycling expo will be set up on site, making it a well-rounded outing for families, casual fans and hardcore cycling enthusiasts alike. Admission is free, and complimentary parking is available at Centennial Park on a first-come basis. The accessible format has historically brought out large crowds, and organizers expect strong attendance again this year.
Centennial Park is located at 500 S. Centennial Park Lane in Fayetteville. For a full schedule and additional event details, visit experiencefayetteville.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!
