Early season DH races to watch
World Cup downhill racing doesn’t start until May, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t gravity-fed mountain bike racing to keep us entertained. From New Zealand to Tennessee, read on for Ryan MTB’s guide to February and March DH racing.
We’ve also published guides to XC races and gravel races.
Crankworx Christchurch
Christchurch, New Zealand | February 14-16
The Crankworx Summer Series offers racing in Christchurch, which also serves as a part of the UCI Continental Series.
Costa Rica Open
Pista El Cabuyal, Cartago, Costa Rica | February 15-16
Those looking to race the UCI Continental Series can head to Costa Rica for some February racing.
Natural Selection Bike
Queenstown, New Zealand | February 15
Originally a snowboard competition series, Natural Selection expands this year into freeride MTB and other sports. The inaugural bike edition takes place this weekend in New Zelealand.
New Zealand National Championships
Rotorua, New Zealand | February 22-23
Kiwi nationals heads to Rotorua to find the fastest New Zealander. Last year’s DH champions were Lachlan Stevens-Mcnab and Jess Blewitt.
Valparaiso Cerro Abajo
Valparaiso, Chile | March 1-2
Only a C3 level event, Valparaiso makes this list since it’s a classic Urban DH race.
AusCycling MTB National Series
Canberra, Australia | March 2
Australians can head to this national series race to compete in the UCI Oceania Continental Series
Crankworx Rotorua
Rotorua, New Zealand | March 5-9
The famed Crankworx series returns to Rotorua and is also a part of the Continental Series this year.
Australian National Championships
Mount Buller, Australia | March 12-16
Who will be the fastest Aussie? In 2024 it was Luke Meier-Smith and Ellie Smith.
Portugal Cup
Seia, Portugal | March 15-16
European riders who aren’t in New Zealand may show up to this C1 event in Portufal in preparation for the World Cup.
Oceanian Mountain Bike Championships
Queenstown, New Zealand | March 21-23
The Championships for the Oecania region are in Queenstown (sensing a theme?). Last year’s jerseys were won by Mick Hannah and Tracey Hannah.
American Continental Championships
Bikepark Arauccania, Chile | March 22-23
On the other side of the globe, North and South Americans will compete for honors in Chile. The Champions in 2024 were Valentina Roa Sanchez and Juan Munoz.
Red Bull Tennessee National
Windrock Bike Park, Tennessee | March 28-30
The Southeast region has been pumping out downhill talent (and races) in recent years. The Tennessee National race happens at the Aaron Gwin-owned Windrock Bike Park.
Early season XC races to watch
World Cup racing doesn’t start until April, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t high-level international racing to watch. In February and March, top talent heads to warmer locales to tune their legs and find their race pace. Read on for Ryan MTB’s guide to early season XC racing.
Early season gravel races to watch
It’s hard to know when the cycling season starts and ends. A variety of disciplines and countless races means riders can find a race to do every weekend, if they wanted to. As far as the gravel season goes, races really start to dot the calendar in March, but I still consider this to be early season.