March 18-22, 2026
Why the Walmart Pro Cup Is a Must-See Event in 2026
The Walmart Pro Cup presented by Honey Stinger, round one of the USXC Open series and North America’s premier mountain bike competition, returns to Fayetteville, Arkansas March 18-22, 2026! Featuring four jam-packed days of spectator-friendly competition, participants can look forward to a stacked schedule of cross-country and short track cross-country races at Fayetteville’s Centennial Park.
For mountain bike fans, it’s the first chance to catch the sports’ top Elite athletes this year including the reigning Elite Men's XCO World Cup overall champion, Christopher Blevins, the 2018 UCI Mountain Bike World Champion, Kate Courtney, and 2024 Olympic silver medalist, Haley Batten - but the excitement doesn’t stop there. The races are expected to draw a deep field of international riders as energy begins to build for the 2028 Summer Olympic Games.
The event also welcomes amateur athletes from across the country to take part in the action on Friday and Sunday mornings, giving participants the chance to compete on portions of the same course as the pros while racing for the same world-class finish line! This free to attend event includes a bicycle-industry expo with some of Fayetteville’s favorite food trucks onsite.
Why Centennial Park Offers the Best Cross-Country Racing in North America
Since the inaugural event in 2021, the Walmart Pro Cup has continued to support both professional and amateur athletes’ season long goals by providing quality, early season competition on the purpose-built Olympic-style mountain bike racecourse at Centennial Park. The aptly named “World Cup” circuit is unique to the United States and specifically designed with elite level mountain bike racing in mind – while accommodating riders of all skill levels.
In true Ozarks fashion, the course stuffs technical rock drops, punchy climbs, and ultra-fast BMX style flow trail into a 2.9-mile circuit. The races consist of multiple laps, giving fans ample time to take in the action before finding their way back to the finish line to catch thrilling finishes of arguably the best cross-country races in North America.
Why Fayetteville Is the Perfect Mountain Bike Destination
Centennial Park is part of the OZ Trails network of mountain bike trail systems – a vast collection of purpose-built, world-class mountain bike trails spread across Northwest Arkansas including several trail systems in Fayetteville. With diverse experiences from gravity to cross-country, mountain biking is central to Fayetteville’s identity as a hub for outdoor recreation in the region.
From Centennial Park, riders can hop onto the Fayetteville Traverse—an intermediate-level continuous loop that links Fayetteville’s vibrant downtown and entertainment areas with the University of Arkansas, Kessler Mountain Regional Park, Centennial Park, and Markham Hill.
Primarily rated intermediate, the Traverse combines technical hand-cut singletrack, bike-optimized flow trails, paved multiuse paths, and short stretches of bicycle-friendly streets to deliver Fayetteville’s signature mountain biking experience. After the ride, you’ll find local restaurants, award-winning craft breweries, and a vibrant music scene waiting in Downtown Fayetteville.
Whether you’re in town to win the big race, or experience world-class mountain biking at its best, make Fayetteville your next trail destination.
FAQs
What is the Walmart Pro Cup?
The Walmart Pro Cup is the opening round of the 2026 US XC Open series and the premiere cross-country and short track mountain bike race series in North America.
Is the event free to attend?
Yes. General admission for the 2026 Walmart Pro Cup at Centennial Park is free. Complimentary parking is available at Centennial Park on a first-come, first-serve basis with additional paid parking areas available inside the event venue.
Can amateurs race?
Yes. The Walmart Pro Cup is one of the few events in the country where mountain bike Olympians and aspiring amateurs race on the same weekend, with a dedicated amateur day that offers categories for all ages and of any skill level.
Where is Centennial Park located?
Centennial Park is conveniently located off Interstate 49 in southwest Fayetteville, Arkansas at 500 S. Centennial Park Lane.
How do I register?
For additional information, including schedule, course details, or to register, visit uscupmtb.com.
Accommodations
The Stonebreaker offers a peaceful retreat, just steps from the University of Arkansas, Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium, and Dickson Street.
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We're off I-49, two miles from the University of Arkansas and Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Our Garden Grille & Bar serves breakfast and dinner, and our 24-hour Pavilion Pantry is stocked with snacks.
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Our hotel is conveniently located just off I49 and just minutes from the University of Arkansas Razorback's Campus and Football & Baseball fields and Track. We are only 27 miles from Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport (XNA).
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Located off I-49, we’re 10 minutes from downtown Fayetteville and within two miles of Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Take a dip in the hotel pool. Daily hot breakfast and WiFi are on us.
