International Mountain Bike Cup turns 30 in 2026 with the biggest reformulation in history, new stages and inclusive categories
The 2026 season of the International Mountain Bike Cup (CiMTB) will mark not only another chapter of the Brazilian competitive calendar, but the beginning of the celebrations of the 30th anniversary of the event that has become a reference in Latin America.
With structural changes, new categories and an unprecedented stage in Conceição do Mato Dentro (MG), the organization is preparing a year that promises to change the dynamics of national competitions.
Founded in 1996 and recognized for its regularity, innovation and ability to attract high-performance athletes, CiMTB reaches three decades expanding its sporting reach and reinforcing Brazil’s role in the global mountain bike scene.
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Since 2004, the competition has added points to the world ranking of the International Cycling Union (UCI) and has been an Olympic qualifier in several cycles, including Beijing 2008, London 2012, Rio 2016, Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024. In 2026, it will also be valid for Los Angeles 2028.
Now, the organization announces changes that range from the calendar and categories to the marathon (XCM), which gains a new format. For the organizers, this is a key season: “the biggest reformulation in the history of CiMTB”.
The first big news is the inclusion of Conceição do Mato Dentro (MG) as the inaugural stage of the season, between April 10 and 12, 2026.
The city, located in Serra do Espinhaço, is today one of the most sought after destinations for mountain bikers due to the challenging relief, rock formations and the presence of some of the most expressive natural landscapes in the state, including the Tabuleiro Waterfall, the highest in Minas Gerais, with almost 300 meters of fall.
The stage opens the calendar before the traditional events:
The choice reinforces CiMTB’s movement to take the sport to regions with a tourist vocation and growth potential in the MTB scene.
Among the highlights of CiMTB 2026 is the return — now more robust — of the Team Championship.
The format provides for teams of three athletes, with the possibility for each team to register as many trios as they wish. The same athlete may even be part of more than one team (in different championships).
There will be three divisions:
The leading teams in each stage will wear a special shirt, and the champions will receive a trophy, medal, shirt and cash prize.
According to the organization, the objective is to expand the collective aspect of the sport, stimulate interaction between athletes and make the events more competitive and fun.
For the first time in many years, CiMTB significantly changes its schedule.
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
The reorganization seeks to value XCO (Olympic event and more technical format of MTB) and improve the dynamics for athletes and the public.
The Marathon is the segment that is going through the most profound change. In response to requests from athletes, the event was moved to Sunday and redefined its routes:
In addition, there is an expansion of the categories:
Complete route
Intermediate route
E-Bikes: 4 categories
Other categories
The changes take the Marathon to a new level, reinforcing its vocation as an inclusive race from beginner to high-performance athlete.
In XCO, the format gains:
In all, there will be 29 XCO categories.
According to organizer Rogério Bernardes, the design remains in line with the requirements of the UCI and global MTB trends.
In 2026, CiMTB intensifies its visual communication strategy. In addition to the traditional Short Track broadcasts in all stages, the organization works to broadcast all stages of the XCO and XCC World Cup, which will have nine rounds in the year.
Another highlight is the continuity of social work via Super Chat of broadcasts. The funds raised are destined to institutions and social projects, and the 2025 season recorded more than R$ 5,000 raised in a single stage.
CiMTB starts using Sympla as an official registration platform.
Among the changes:
The strategy seeks to democratize access, especially for beginners and youth categories.
In addition to the news, the 30th anniversary season is an occasion to celebrate the trajectory of the International Cup, which helped structure the Brazilian MTB.
In recent years, the organization has been involved in historic moments:
CiMTB was also responsible for holding the 2018 Mountain Bike Eliminator World Cup in Congonhas.
The season that starts in April inaugurates a new phase for CiMTB. More categories, more possibilities, new cities, redesigned programming, expanded transmission and greater social integration.
The event reaches its 30th anniversary not only celebrating its past, but paving the way for the future of MTB in Brazil.
