The 2026 iXS European Downhill Cup comprises seven races, five of which form part of the Continental Series. At these five races, the top three finishers in each of the Elite Men, Elite Women, Junior U19 Men and Junior U19 Women categories will receive a Golden Ticket. This will be presented in a high-profile ceremony during the podium presentation.

The entry requirements for the World Cup were already made considerably more stringent last year. In particular, the sharp reduction in the number of finalists has led to significantly different conditions and a much more elite field of competitors. However, to ensure that athletes still have the opportunity to compete against the world’s best within the World Cup without being part of a World Series team – and thus create a stir as underdogs, so to speak – the Golden Tickets have been introduced. So, anyone who finishes in the top three in a Continental Series race (excluding all World Series team riders) receives a ticket valid for one year.

It is therefore important in future that these very riders are present at the podium ceremony to collect their ticket in the form of a cheque. This will ensure that these riders receive the attention at the races that was lacking last season.

European Continental Series

• Santiago de Bestieros (POR)
• Fort William (GBR)
• La Molina (ESP)
• Les2Alpes (FRA)*
• Szczyrk (POL)
• Verbier (SUI)

*not part of the iXS European Downhill Cup

Press release of the UCI:

The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) presents the “Golden Tickets”, an initiative designed to highlight riders who, through their performances at UCI Mountain Bike Continental Series events, obtain the right to take part in the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series.

Launched in 2025, UCI Mountain Bike Continental Series group together continental-level competitions organised under the aegis of the UCI and included on the UCI Mountain Bike International Calendar. In 2026, the five UCI Mountain Bike Continental Series comprise a total of 39 events – in cross-country olympic (XCO) and downhill (DHI) – held in 27 countries worldwide.

Developed in collaboration with the Continental Confederations, these Series support the progression of riders from regional racing to the international stage. In addition to allowing riders to earn UCI points, it also offers the opportunity to secure direct entry to a round of the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series, the sport’s premier series that brings together the UCI World Cups in mountain bike’s main formats.

In each eligible category, the three best-placed riders at each round – excluding riders registered with UCI World Series Teams – will be awarded a Golden Ticket during the podium ceremonies, symbolising their right to compete in a round of the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series of their choice within 52 weeks of receiving it. The eligible categories are as follows:

XCO: Elite Men, Elite Women, Under‑23 Men, and Under‑23 Women (refer to Article 4.10.001, point 5 of the UCI Regulations)

DHI: Elite Men, Elite Women, Junior Men, and Junior Women (refer to Article 4.11.001, point 5 of the UCI Regulations).

Through the Golden Tickets, the UCI showcases the top performers in these UCI Mountain Bike Continental Series and highlights a system that gives promising riders worldwide the opportunity to compete at the highest level, potentially paving the way for an international professional career.