EXHIBIT WITH US
THE CACTUS CUP
ARIZONA’S ORIGINAL MOUNTAIN BIKE STAGE RACE
Yes! This is the revival of the legendary Specialized Cactus Cup.
As a family of local mountain bikers, we knew this iconic race had to return to the Valley of the Sun—the birthplace of desert mountain bike racing back in 1991. Back then, skinny handlebars, elastomer shocks, and bar ends were cutting-edge. More than 20 years later, the bikes have evolved, the crowds have grown, but one thing hasn’t changed: a great weekend on the trails brings us all together.
We honor Team Aware—the Arizona riders who launched the original Cactus Cup and helped shape modern trail design, winning awards and setting the standard for fast, sustainable riding. Today, we’re still racing those same desert trails, now marked with the tire tracks of some of the sport’s biggest names.
The Specialized Cactus Cup stands as a pillar of mountain biking history and now draws thousands of riders, fans, and families every year. With festival-style fun for all ages and a $7,000 pro prize purse, it’s more than a race—it’s a celebration of the sport’s past, present, and future.
RACING EVENTS
Cactus Cup | 2 Days of Racing:
XC 40-mile \ XC 20-mile
Mini Cup | 3 Days of Racing:
XC 25-mile \ XC 20-mile
Pro Short Track | XC 40-mile | XC 25-mile | XC 10-Mile | XC 20-mile | Class 1 E- MTBs
RIDING EVENTS
Gravel Ride
Kids Race
Kids Balance Bike Race
Kids MTB Camp
FESTIVAL EVENTS
Expo & Shopping
Kids Zone
Live Music
Food Trucks
Recovery Zone
Bunny Hop Competition
Join the fun & Showcase your brand.
PRIME DESERT EXPOSURE
Friday Expo + full weekend visibility in the heart of the start/finish village. Your brand front-and-center for every racer and spectator.
MORE THAN A RACE
Attendees spend 4–8 hours on-site daily, along with our campers who are on-site all weekend long. They’re here to ride, shop, and connect — not just pass through.
Family-Friendly Footprint
Kids’ races, food trucks, beer garden, and live music create a festival atmosphere that keeps families on-site all weekend.
PRO RIDER ACCESS
Rub shoulders and build relationships with UCI pros, industry insiders, and top amateurs.
What Our Participants Say
“We had the most amazing experience at the Cactus Cup. It was an effort to coordinate this trip from New Jersey for the three of us and we are glad that it turned out to be one of the most amazing events we have the fortune to be a part of. Your staff did a great job and everything was organized and kept at a fun level as well. We plan on attending next year as well”.
-Dominick I., Scott H. and David G. New Jersey
“Thank you and the entire crew for making this such a welcoming and fun event for a mtn bike newbie !! Wow amazing top to bottom. Thanks again!!!”
-Megan H. Colorado
“We’ve been riding the Cactus Cup for years. We come in from Oregon and use this race as an excuse to visit family, motivation to keep fitness over the winter, and an escape from the rain. The site and weekend just work. I will participate as long as it’s an option.”
– Pat L. Oregon
Building Families of Mountain Bikers
The Specialized Cactus Cup celebrates Arizona’s mountain biking roots while inspiring the next generation—with a full weekend of racing, riding, and family fun.
Giving Back
The Specialized Cactus Cup enthusiastically supports local non-profits, trail clean-up efforts, and trail maintenance projects across our county parks. In the months leading up to the event we offer group rides and free cycling clinics.
McDowell Mountain Regional Park
McDowell Mountain Regional Park offers 40+ miles of premier desert trails—technical challenges, fast cross-country, flowy routes, and a pro-level short track. Just 30 miles from Phoenix and under 40 minutes from the airport, it’s the perfect venue for racing and spectating.
Secure Your Spot
Ready to join the fun? Contact our team to book your booth space and learn more about partnership opportunities.
CONTACT FOR PRICING
SAGE MELLEY
sage@thecactuscup.com
480-518-3742
