The end of the year is a time to look back and remember what happened over the last 12 months. But it’s also an opportunity to look forward at what we’re already excited about in 2026. Here are a few things that have the CanadianMTB staff stoked on starting the new year.
Dane Jewett, in green, congratulates his brother Jake Jewett on winning the pro men’s race on 1199 in Whistler For 2026, it’ll be a World Cup track. Photo: Clint Trahan
A new World Cup in Canada
Whistler, B.C. is finally getting a downhill World Cup! The long-overdue arrival of proper World Cup racing at the B.C. resort will be a thrilling moment for Canadian fans and riders alike. Plan ahead and make sure you’re there for the madness.
Elite Men’s XCO start. Photo: Matt Stetson
A fresh start for Mont-Sainte-Anne
With the addition of Whistler came the announcement that MSA would not host a World Cup in 2026. That ends the iconic Quebec venue’s 30-year streak on the World Cup circuit, but it’s not the end for MSA. There are already major events planned for the summer of 2026, including cross country races and a big new Crankworx World Tour stop. We’re sad to see the World Cup go, but we’re stoked to see a fresh face of Mont-Sainte-Anne in 2026.
Jackson Goldstone on his way to a win and overall title in Mont-Sainte-Anne. Image: Colin Field
Another big year for Canadian racers
2025 was arguably Canada’s most successful year yet. Mountain biker’s won four world championships, earned another three world championship podiums, a World Cup overall, a World Cup overall podium and numerous World Cup races across disciplines. While Jackson Goldstone was dominant, Canadian results went much deeper than just the Squamish phenoms numerous accolades.
All of that sets up what should be a very exciting 2026 season. Most of those results came riders under 24 years old. As they settle into international racing, there will surely be more success for the Canuck contingent in the future.
Magdeleine Vallières shocked the road world with an elite women’s win for Canada at worlds
Road world championships in Montreal
Yes, road bikes. It’s not often world championships happen in Canada. Road world championships are a very big deal. They’re also a very big opportunity for Canadian talent to show up on the international stage with home turf advantage. That may not be enough to stop, or even slow Tadej Pogačar, but it should be a huge boost to Magdeleine Vallieres-Mill as she aims to defend her title and all the other Canucks as they look for breakout results. Whatever type of bike you usually ride, Montreal is set to deliver a thrilling spectacle of racing.
Photo: Dave Silver
The last BC Bike Race (sort of)
After 20 years, BC Bike Race is setting up for a grand finale. 2026 will be the last year the west coast classic offers the full, week-long experience. The race isn’t going away for good, but it is changing its format. Much like Singletrack 6’s new look, you can expect something more compact from BCBR in the future, but also some big new opportunities. But the classic full-on BCBR experience? 2026 is your last chance.
The Flannel Crew’s second effort, STRAIN promises views and feels
Flannel Crew’s STRAIN
There are a lot of movies and edits made every year, many of them by Canadian pros. Most of those are focused around the B.C. area. The Flannel Crew are bringing big freeride energy from Calgary, Alta. For their second film, STRAIN, the Flannels are adding a bit more off-the-bike substance in with the shredding. We talked to the crew about the heavy couple years leading to making STRAIN, how they’re balancing shredding with full time jobs and responsibilities and why its important to support media like this instead of just watching another free shreddit online. If you miss the era of big release tours and NWD-style mega productions, keep an eye on the Flannel Crew for the release tour.
Stoll P32 bike is aiming to be the first production 32. But more are following.
The possible debut of 32″
I’m not entirely sure how I feel about the inevitable push towards 32″ wheels, but it sure will be interesting to see how it plays out. Both on the bike development side and at the races. The latter will be the moment of truth for 32″ wheels. All the hype in the world ceases to matter when you’re on a start line. It’s all about real world performance. There’s even a Canadian brand at the forefront of developing the new wheel size.
With the big wheel fly? Or flop? It’s looking like 2026 is the year we’ll find out.