The final showdown hits Lake Placid

The world's best mountain bikers are coming to the Adirondacks for one last showdown. From October 2 to 4, Lake Placid and Wilmington host the final stop of the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series, closing out the season with cross-country racing at Mt. Van Hoevenberg and downhill runs down Whiteface. The Adirondacks are gearing up for an exciting weekend of mountain bike racing. Discover the UCI Mountain Bike World Series and experience the action for yourself.

Here's what to know before you go, from race-day logistics to where to eat, ride, and explore between races.

What's happening

Cross-country races take over Mt. Van Hoevenberg, the same Olympic venue that's hosted biathlon and bobsled since 1980, now reshaped for two wheels instead of skis or sleds. Across the valley, Whiteface Mountain hosts the downhill events, sending riders down terrain built for speed and nerve. It's the final stop of the 2026 World Cup series, meaning the season's overall titles will be decided right here in the High Peaks.

Need to know

With racing split between two venues, a little planning goes a long way. Here's what you need to know before race weekend:

Friday: Downhill training and timed training take place at Whiteface, while U23 and Elite Men and Women compete in Short Track World Cup races at Mt Van Hoevenberg.

Saturday: Junior and Elite Men and Women compete in qualifying runs at Whiteface, while U23 and Elite athletes take on Cross-country World Cup races at Mt Van Hoevenberg.

Sunday: The weekend wraps up with Final Downhill World Cup races for Junior and Elite athletes at Whiteface Mountain.

Tickets: Choose from 1-Day General Admission, 3-Day General Admission, Spectator Plus, Premium, and UCI All-Access Experience Passes. You can purchase parking with your tickets. Get tickets and explore pass options.

Schedule: Find the complete event schedule.

Shuttles: Shuttles are available to Mt. Van Hoevenberg on Friday, Mt. Van Hoevenberg and Whiteface on Saturday, and Whiteface on Sunday. Find shuttle details and transportation information.

More than a race weekend

The racing is the headline, but the UCI weekend spills out well beyond the courses. Young riders can join in, too, with the Junior XC MTB Race at Mt Van Hoevenberg on Friday at 2 p.m. The race is open to kids ages 8–18.

Later that evening, head to the Olympic Oval for the Friday Night Bike Jam from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. This free community event celebrates the kickoff of UCI weekend with a kids' skills park, BMX show, live entertainment, local vendors, and Touch-a-Trucks.

It's a good reminder that this weekend isn't just for spectators who know their way around a race course. Bring the kids, bring the bikes, or just come see what the excitement is about.

While you're here

Race days are only part of the weekend. Lake Placid’s Main Street is worth carving out time for on its own, lined with shops, cafes, and lodging that make for an easy break between races. If you're building in downtime, our brewery blog rounds up where to grab a pint after a day of watching riders fly.

Since you'll already be spending the weekend at Mt Van Hoevenberg and Whiteface, it's the perfect excuse to check out the region's other two Olympic venues while you're here. Ride the chairlift and elevator up the ski jump towers at the Olympic Jumping Complex for a view most visitors never see, or head to the Olympic Center, home to the 1980 "Miracle on Ice" rink and the Lake Placid Winter Olympic Museum.

If watching the pros has you itching to get on two wheels yourself, the region has trails for every level beyond what you'll see on the course. And if biking isn't your thing, fall is prime season for hiking the High Peaks or paddling one of the area's lakes and rivers.

Tips for spectators

A little preparation will make it easier to enjoy the action throughout UCI weekend.

• Dress for the terrain: Spectating along the courses requires walking on uneven terrain. Dress appropriately for the weather and wear sturdy footwear.

• Explore the vendor villages: Don't miss the vendor villages at Mt Van Hoevenberg and Whiteface, featuring food, drinks, big-name brands, local businesses, and live entertainment.

• Share the road: You may see athletes and fellow spectators biking on roads leading up to and during UCI weekend. Slow down, give riders space, and share our roads safely.

See you in October

The 2026 UCI Mountain Bike World Series Finals mark a big moment for Lake Placid, and there's plenty to do beyond the racing itself. Get your tickets, map out your route between venues, and come experience a World Cup weekend in the Adirondacks.