Leaked 2027 UCI World Cup Schedule Suggests 10 DH Races and 12 XC Races

A leaked 2027 UCI Mountain Bike World Cup schedule, reported by Pinkbike, indicates a significant expansion for both downhill and cross-country disciplines. The provisional calendar reportedly features 10 Downhill (DH) races and 12 Cross-Country (XC) events, a notable increase from the current season’s eight DH and nine XC stops. This potential expansion signals a more demanding, and potentially lucrative, future for elite mountain bike racers and teams.

This proposed schedule represents a substantial shift, particularly given the recent turbulent history of the World Cup series under Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) management. The initial WBD era saw a reduction in DH rounds, sparking considerable rider and team dissatisfaction. An increase to 10 DH races would address long-standing calls for more opportunities, while 12 XC events would further solidify its Olympic discipline status, pushing athletes to new limits across a longer season.

Should this leak prove accurate, the UCI and WBD are clearly attempting to appease a vocal paddock, though whether more races equate to better racing remains to be seen.