iXS European Downhill Cup 2026

Szczyrk Bike Park by TREK

The fifth round of this year's iXS European Downhill Cup is behind us, and it will undoubtedly remain in the memories of both riders and fans. Once again, Szczyrk proved that it belongs among the world's premier downhill destinations, welcoming nearly 300 riders from 36 countries across 5 continents. Such an impressive turnout, combined with the presence of numerous reigning national champions, guaranteed spectacular racing from the very first practice runs.

The stage? The legendary Bestyja track at Szczyrk Mountain Resort – one of Poland's most iconic and demanding downhill courses, and a former host of the UCI Downhill World Cup. Riders repeatedly highlighted the track's outstanding quality. High-speed sections, massive jumps, technical features and incredible pace make every run an adrenaline-filled experience. Despite its demanding nature, competitors praised the excellent course preparation and agreed that Bestyja delivers an exceptionally rewarding ride.

This year's event also brought an extra challenge. Scorching heat during practice dried out the course and increased speeds, while heavy rain on finals day completely transformed its character. Slippery roots, mud and constantly changing grip levels demanded split-second decisions, precise bike setup and flawless riding technique. It was in these conditions that the exceptional skill level of the iXS EDC riders truly shone through, with every run showcasing courage, precision and world-class racecraft.

The younger categories also stole the spotlight. Riders in the Pro U17 and Pro U19 classes posted times remarkably close to those of the Elite field, proving that the future of downhill racing looks incredibly bright. Tiny margins at the finish line, battles for every hundredth of a second and spectacular runs kept the excitement at its peak throughout the weekend.

The atmosphere was equally unforgettable. Hundreds of passionate fans lined the course, creating an incredible backdrop worthy of one of Europe's biggest downhill events. Their energy echoed through every section of Bestyja, pushing riders to their limits and adding even more intensity to an already spectacular competition.

The fastest times of the weekend reflected the world-class level of racing:

Elite Men – Riko Mäeüibo (EST) – 2:51.701
Elite Women – Kate Hastings (NZL) – 3:13.509
Pro U17 Men – Quentin Gabriel Barbe (FRA) – 2:55.688
Pro U17 Women – Lucy Jenkins Jablonski (NZL) – 3:17.918
Pro U19 Men – Elliot Smith (GBR) – 2:53.883
Pro U19 Women – Ava Chaumet Lagrange (FRA) – 3:25.227
Pro Masters Men – Rob Davis (IRL) – 3:10.203
Pro Masters Women – Jara Paula (CHI) – 4:23.920

We are proud that an event of this calibre once again took place in Szczyrk. The overwhelmingly positive feedback from riders, teams and spectators confirms that we delivered a race at the highest European standard and further strengthened Poland's position on the international downhill map.

A huge thank you to all riders, partners, volunteers and fans for creating an unforgettable atmosphere. It was a weekend packed with speed, adrenaline and world-class racing.

See you next year!

Get ready for a massive dose of adrenaline!🔥
The excitement after the 2025 UCI MTB World Cup hasn’t faded yet, and we’re dropping another bombshell!

In 2026, Szczyrk Bike Park by TREK joins the elite and will host a round of the iXS Downhill Cup – the European Cup series!

31.07-02.08.2026

iXS EDC #5 Szczyrk

iXS European Downhill Cup

This marks the 19th season of the iXS European Downhill Cup – an iconic series that for years has served as a springboard to world-class careers. It’s here that many riders took their first steps before going on to fight for the highest honors on the global stage.

Top-tier locations, brutally demanding tracks, and racing at the highest level – all wrapped in a unique atmosphere that brings riders, fans, and downhill enthusiasts together into one big biking family.

The iXS Cup is renowned for its technical courses, spectacular runs, and an atmosphere that attracts both elite riders and huge crowds of spectators.

In 2026, Szczyrk will appear on the iXS Downhill Cup calendar as the 5th round, hosting top riders and the best competitors from across Europe.

What can you expect?

the world’s top downhill riders on one of the most demanding tracks in Poland

adrenaline-packed, edge-of-your-seat race runs

a truly international field of riders from many different countries

an electric atmosphere and non-stop cheering along the course

an event made for fans of MTB, adrenaline, and mountain sports

Expo zones featuring global brands – equipment, accessories, and cycling lifestyle all in one place

Join us and cheer for the best!

Come and see for yourself why downhill is the Formula 1 of cycling – fast, spectacular, and full of action. We guarantee top-level excitement! This is one of the few opportunities in Poland to watch Europe’s elite downhill riders in action.

Strap on your helmet – it’s going to be wild!