THE SPECIALIZED CACTUS CUP

cactus-cup-nedWHAT IS THE SPECIALIZED CACTUS CUP?

The Cactus Cup dates back to 1991 (read the History tab for a little background). It is Arizona’s Original Stage Race and was the season opener during the early days of mountain bike racing. The event is back and is, again a 3 day mountain bike stage race in the desert! To chase the Cactus Cup and capture the overall title, all 3 days of the stage race must be completed.

Registration is available for individual events as well.

  • FRIDAY – Short Track | 1pm
  • SATURDAY – The XC 40 MILE | 7:30am
  • SUNDAY – Enduro | 8:00am
  • AWARDS – Daily podium presentation
  • REGISTRATION FEE – $99 | $65 for Juniors (13-18 years old) disc. shown at checkout

CUP O’CURIOUS: *New for 2019!

New to stage racing or a beginner mountain biker? If you are CURIOUS about stage racing try the Cup O’Curious for a ‘mini’ version

  • FRIDAY – Short Track | 3pm
  • SATURDAY – The XC 40 KM (25 mile) | 7:25am
  • SUNDAY – Enduro | 8:00am
  • AWARDS – Daily podium presentation
  • REGISTRATION FEE – $80 | $65 for Juniors (9 – 18 years old)

register

PRIZE PURSE:

$5,000 Prize Purse awarded to the Cactus Cup Elite male / Elite female field. You do NOT need to be a card carrying professional for this race. If you think you have what it takes,  and want a shot at the cash, register as an Elite!

NEW FOR 2019 – PAYING OUT 5 DEEP, AND INCREASE TO $5,000 TOTAL!

Purse Break Down:

Cactus Cup Elite Men Overall Top 5: $1,200, $600, $300, $200, $100
Cactus Cup Elite Women Overall Top 5: $1,200, $600, $300, $200, $100
Elite Prem for Short Track: Men Top 1: $100, Women Top 1: $100

AWARDS and LEADER PRESENTATION:

Participants may enter any combination of the individual events – however only those racing all 3 events – Short Track, the XC 40 mile, and Enduro are eligible for The Cactus Cup Stage Race.  Individual results will be posted and awards presented after each individual event. Podiums for all events will be 3 deep per category. Race leaders will be awarded with leader designation per category.

THE PARTY:

No gathering of mountain bikers is complete without a good party. Friday Hussafternoon/evening will kick off the weekend down at the pump track. Spectators can watch the Landis Cyclery Short Track event up close as riders hit the big berms with the Huss Brewing Beer Garden right in the middle of it!

Saturday features the Expo, opening at 9am, Beer Garden at 10:30am and live music on the main stage from one of our favorite local bands, Dusty Tuffet at 11am! It’s the place for post-race celebration with great Huss beer, music, awards ceremony and lots of shade. Huss will be serving our favorites! Orange Blossom, Copper State IPA, Koffee Kolsch and Scottsdale Blonde. 100% Sales from the beer garden support Central Arizona Mountain Bike Patrol who patrol local trails and are an essential part of the mountain bike community.

LOCATION:

McDowell Mountain Regional Park (Map)
16300 McDowell Mountain Park Dr.
Fountain Hills, Az 85628

DIRECTIONS:

Click here for directions to the McDowell Mountain Regional Park.

PARK FEES AND CAMPING:

Note: these fees are charged by Maricopa County Parks and Recreation and are paid at  point of entry

  • $ 6 fee (daily) to enter the McDowell Mountain Park if you are not camping onsite and just coming in each day. Daily parking will be in the Four Peaks Parking Lot.
  • $20 camping fee per night to camp in the Competitive Lot. This will fill up fast. You may set up camping ONLY as early as Friday morning March 8
  • $12 camping fee per night to camp in the overflow; Four Peaks Lot. This lot is right across the street and very close to the venue. We do not anticipate that this will fill up. It is first come first serve. No hook ups available

Camping in these areas will be limited to Friday and Saturday ONLY. If you would like to camp Thursday Night, you will need to camp in the camp grounds within the Park. More info about camping and the park can be found here

REGISTRATION REFUND POLICY:

We know life can get in the way sometimes, and inevitably sometimes you can’t make it…but we plan on you being there. Rather than cut you no slack, we offer more than most:
Up until 4 weeks out – 50% refund
Inside of 4 weeks till the event, no refunds
No exceptions.