UCI Mountain Bike World Cup Les Gets 2026

World Cup downhill, cross-country drama and full-throttle mountain bike atmosphere in Les Gets.

Les Gets has mountain biking in its bones. For more than 30 years, the village has hosted some of the sport’s biggest moments, and in August 2026 the world’s best riders return for another UCI Mountain Bike World Cup weekend. Expect steep tracks, technical racing, loud crowds and a proper bike-festival feel across one of the Portes du Soleil’s most iconic resorts.

Bottom line: The UCI Mountain Bike World Cup Les Gets 2026 takes place from Thursday 20 to Sunday 23 August 2026. Les Gets will host Cross-Country Short Track (XCC), Downhill (DHI) and Cross-Country Olympic (XCO) events, with official competition running from Friday to Sunday after Thursday training.

Planning your trip to the Portes du Soleil? If you want to find out more about the area and how to get there from Geneva Airport, take a look at our Les Gets Guide, Morzine Guide and Avoriaz Guide.

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What is the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup in Les Gets?

The UCI Mountain Bike World Cup is part of the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series, bringing the best downhill and cross-country riders to selected venues around the world. Les Gets is one of the sport’s classic European stops and has a long history of hosting major mountain bike competitions.

For 2026, Les Gets hosts the Haute-Savoie round of the World Cup from 20–23 August. The event brings together three major disciplines: XCC, DHI and XCO.

The atmosphere is one of the main reasons to go. Downhill racing brings speed, risk and huge crowd noise, while cross-country adds tactical racing, repeated climbs and close battles through the laps.

Official event website:
Visit the official UCI Mountain Bike World Series event page


UCI Mountain Bike World Cup Les Gets 2026 dates and location

  • Event: UCI Mountain Bike World Cup Les Gets 2026
  • Dates: Thursday 20 to Sunday 23 August 2026
  • Main competition dates: Friday 21 to Sunday 23 August 2026
  • Location: Les Gets, Haute-Savoie, France
  • Series: WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series
  • Disciplines: XCC, DHI and XCO
  • Nearest major airport: Geneva Airport

Les Gets official event page:
View the official Les Gets UCI Mountain Bike World Cup page


What disciplines are taking place?

Les Gets hosts three key mountain bike disciplines in 2026. Each one has a different rhythm and spectator feel.

Discipline Date What to expect
XCC: Cross-Country Short Track Friday 21 August 2026 Fast, short-format cross-country racing with tight laps and intense position battles.
DHI: Downhill Saturday 22 August 2026 High-speed racing down steep technical tracks, with riders pushing for the fastest single run.
XCO: Cross-Country Olympic Sunday 23 August 2026 Longer cross-country racing with repeated climbs, descents, tactics and endurance.

Official Les Gets competition details:
View the Les Gets 2026 event programme information


What to expect during the World Cup weekend

The UCI Mountain Bike World Cup turns Les Gets into a full mountain bike village. The event brings elite racing, practice sessions, fan zones, bike culture, team areas and a lively summer atmosphere across the resort.

Thursday is mainly a training day for downhill and cross-country riders. Friday brings Cross-Country Short Track action, Saturday is focused on downhill, and Sunday closes with Cross-Country Olympic racing.

Les Gets also has a strong bike park identity, with marked trails and direct access into the wider Portes du Soleil mountain bike area. The resort’s official World Cup information highlights Les Gets as a major MTB destination with access to the Portes du Soleil’s extensive network of marked bike trails.


Why Les Gets is such a strong MTB venue

Les Gets has more than three decades of mountain bike event history. The village has hosted major international competitions and remains one of the best-known bike destinations in the French Alps.

The resort works well for spectators because the racing, village centre, lifts, restaurants and accommodation are all close together. That makes it easier to build a full weekend around the event rather than travelling in just for one race.

The Portes du Soleil connection also matters. Les Gets sits within one of Europe’s largest linked mountain bike areas, with Morzine and Avoriaz nearby. That gives the weekend a wider riding and travel appeal beyond the race tape.

If you would like to find out more about what’s going on in the Portes du Soleil before or after the event, check out our news and events page.


Getting to Les Gets for the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup

The simplest route: Fly into Geneva Airport, then travel to Les Gets by pre-booked airport transfer.

  • Typical Geneva to Les Gets journey time: Around 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes, depending on traffic and your final address
  • Nearby resorts: Morzine and Avoriaz
  • Border: Switzerland to France, so carry a valid passport or travel document
  • Useful for: Riders, groups, families, spectators, teams and anyone travelling with bike bags or extra luggage

Mountain Drop-offs provides transfers from Geneva Airport to Les Gets, Morzine and Avoriaz. A pre-booked transfer is especially useful during World Cup weekend if you are arriving with bikes, helmets, riding kit, cameras or group luggage.

Compare destination transfer guides:
Geneva to Les Gets transfers
Geneva to Morzine transfers
Geneva to Avoriaz transfers


Transfer options for UCI Mountain Bike World Cup visitors

Transfer option Best for Why it suits the event
Shared transfer Solo travellers and small groups Cost-effective travel from Geneva Airport to selected Portes du Soleil resorts.
Flexi shared transfer More flexible travel plans Useful if flight times or plans may change before travelling.
Private transfer Groups, families and riders with bike bags Direct travel to your accommodation with no waiting for other passengers.
VIP transfer Extra comfort and convenience Premium vehicles and a more comfortable arrival after a long journey.

Important: If you are travelling with bikes, bike boxes or large equipment, declare this when booking so the correct vehicle and luggage space can be planned.

Book your transfer:
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Practical tips for World Cup weekend

  • Check the final programme: Race timings, training sessions, qualification rounds and side events can change.
  • Book accommodation early: Les Gets is likely to be busy during World Cup weekend.
  • Plan around race days: XCC is listed for Friday, DHI for Saturday and XCO for Sunday.
  • Allow for crowds: Downhill finals and finish areas can get busy, so arrive early for good viewing spots.
  • Bring layers: August can be warm in the village, but weather can change quickly on the mountain.
  • Declare bikes and kit: Bike boxes, tools, wheels and protection gear take more space than standard luggage.

FAQs

When is the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup in Les Gets 2026?

The UCI Mountain Bike World Cup in Les Gets takes place from Thursday 20 to Sunday 23 August 2026.

Which UCI disciplines are hosted in Les Gets in 2026?

Les Gets hosts Cross-Country Short Track (XCC), Downhill (DHI) and Cross-Country Olympic (XCO).

When is the downhill race?

The official Les Gets event information lists the DHI downhill race for Saturday 22 August 2026.

When is the cross-country Olympic race?

The official Les Gets event information lists the XCO race for Sunday 23 August 2026.

How do I get from Geneva Airport to Les Gets?

The simplest option is to pre-book a Geneva Airport transfer. Mountain Drop-offs provides transfers to Les Gets, Morzine and Avoriaz, with shared, Flexi, private and VIP options.

Can I bring a bike box or large MTB equipment?

Yes, but large equipment should be declared when booking so the correct vehicle and luggage space can be planned.

Should I book my transfer early?

Yes. The UCI Mountain Bike World Cup is a major summer event in Les Gets, so early booking is recommended for transfers and accommodation.


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