Durango Derby returns in September 2026
Rally style stage race tours Durango's in-town trails
The Durango Derby will once again bring rally style XC stage racing to Durango, Colorado on September 12, 2026.
First run in 2023, the race is similar to an enduro race, with timed stages separated by neutral transfers. Instead of just downhill, the stages include uphill, downhill, and flat sections, making a downcountry XC rig the weapon of choice for most riders.
The race returned in 2024 before being cancelled in 2025 because of construction at Durango Mesa Park.
Race organizers promise four stages acrosss Durango’s trails. Although stage details have not been announced, previous years have featured trails in Horse Gulch, Test Tracks (a.k.a. Overend Mountain Park), Animas City Mountain, and Durango Mesa Park.
Solo riders can choose to compete across all four stages or enter the two stage or three stage categories. The team relay category previously offered has been sunsetted because of little interest.
Registration opens on March 1 and will cost 30% less than previous years. Registration fees increase starting March 15. In a move to support the next generation, all riders under the age of 18 will race for free.
Iron Horse Bicycle Classic to host Colorado Gravel State Championships
Also in Durango, the Iron Horse Bicycle Classic announced today that its gravel race on Sunday, May 24, will serve as the Colorado Gravel State Championships.
Known for the classic Durango-Silverton road race, the Iron Horse has hosted a gravel event since 2018 on the rolling gravel hills east of town. Now, the elite, junior, and master categories will battle to find out who the fastest racer in Colorado is.
The 55-mile course begins in downtown Durango and immediately hits a steep grunt up Horse Gulch Road. After a fast descent, the roads then flatten out but are punctuated by punchy climbs. Then its on the the more extended climbs in the Texas Creek area before backtracking on the same route back to town.
Registration is currently open for all races at the Iron Horse, including an XC mountain bike race that rolls through Steamworks Brewing’s back patio.
With the addition of the Mountain States Cup at Purgatory, it’s stacking up to be a great summer of racing in Durango as the town prepares for the 2030 UCI Mountain Bike World Championships.
Rally format makes so much sense for XC racing. The uphill/downhill/flat mix replicates actual trail riding way better than pure enduro. Really smart move making U18 free, grassroots development in mtb is underfunded compared to road. I raced a similr format a few years back and the neutral transfers let you actually enjoy the trails between efforts.