Arizona’s original mountain bike stage race returns to McDowell Mountain Regional Park for its 35th edition, maintaining its reputation as the desert Southwest’s premier season opener. Since 1991, the Cactus Cup has challenged riders with three distinct disciplines across three days: Time Trial for age groupers and Short Track for professionals, followed by cross-country and enduro events.

The format rewards versatility over single-discipline excellence. While riders can register for individual days, capturing the overall Cactus Cup title requires completing all three stages, with cumulative points determining the champion. This multi-discipline approach sets it apart from traditional single-format races, demanding technical climbing skills for the XC course, explosive power for the time trial, and technical descending prowess for the enduro segments.

McDowell Mountain’s Sonoran Desert terrain provides the perfect testing ground, with trails winding through iconic saguaro forests and rocky technical sections that challenge equipment choices and rider adaptability. The varied topography offers something for every skill level while maintaining the competitive edge that draws professionals and serious amateurs from across the country.

Starting in 2024, the event partnered with Belgian Waffle Ride Arizona to create “Duel in the Desert,” where ambitious cyclists can tackle both the Cactus Cup’s 40-mile XC race and BWR’s 72-mile gravel challenge on consecutive weekends. Completing both events earns the coveted Queen or King of the Desert title, adding an extra layer of prestige for multi-discipline athletes.

Beyond the racing, the festival atmosphere includes a vendor expo and live music, creating the community vibe that veteran participants consistently praise as much as the challenging courses themselves.