Cairns to host international MTB event

Cairns Regional Council is proud to support the 2026 Oceania Continental Series Finale, a brand-new mountain bike event bringing international-level competition to Smithfield Mountain Bike Park from 16−19 April.

The event will feature the finale of the UCI Oceania Continental Series in both downhill and cross-country Olympic (XCO) disciplines, while also forming part of the AusCycling National Series and offering racing opportunities for junior and emerging riders.

Delivered by AusCycling with support from Tourism Events Queensland (TEQ), Tourism Tropical North Queensland (TTNQ) and Cairns Regional Council, the Oceania Continental Series Finale will generate positive economic and community benefits while further cementing Cairns’ reputation as a world-class destination for adventure sport.

Community benefits for Cairns residents

Supported through Cairns Regional Council’s Major Events Sponsorship Program, the Oceania Continental Series Finale will maximise opportunities for community access and participation. Free spectator entry means residents of all ages can experience elite international sport up close, while local clubs, volunteers and young riders have opportunities to be involved in a major event on home soil. The event will also encourage greater use of Council’s world-class mountain bike facilities and support ongoing participation in active, outdoor lifestyles across the region.

AusCycling’s Executive General Manager of Major Events, Steve Peterson, said the creation of the 2026 Oceania Continental Series Finale reflects strong, sustained demand from the mountain bike community.

“We are excited to establish a new event that will bring high-quality Continental Series racing to the region, taking advantage of the world-class trails and facilities that Cairns has to offer,” Mr Peterson said.

“The 2026 Oceania Continental Series Finale will give elite, under-23, under-19 and emerging riders an opportunity to race at a high level.

“With UCI points and World Cup starts on the line, events like this are critical for Australian and New Zealand athletes preparing for the international season, whether that’s in Asia, Europe or beyond.”

Elite downhill racer Mick Hannah, a Cairns local, said, “It’s huge to see Cairns locked in as the Oceania Continental Series finale.

“From a downhill perspective, this venue is as legit as it gets – steep, raw, technical and demanding in exactly the way modern World Cup tracks are. Having a race like this on home soil gives our riders a proper benchmark before heading into the international season.

“Cairns has a long history with elite level downhill and this event gives the next generation a chance to test themselves on a truly world-class track.”

Cairns Regional Council Mayor Amy Eden said the event will deliver meaningful benefits for the local community, both during the event and well beyond it.

“Major events like this create opportunities for local clubs, volunteers and young riders, while also driving visitation and supporting local businesses across the region,” Mayor Eden said.

“Just as importantly, it leaves a legacy by encouraging greater participation in outdoor sport and showcasing the world-class mountain biking facilities our community can enjoy year-round.”

Tourism Tropical North Queensland Chief Executive Officer Mark Olsen welcomed the addition of the Oceania Continental Series Finale to further grow adventure tourism and the region’s sporting calendar.

“A dedicated mountain biking event in April will help to bring visitors to Tropical North Queensland in the shoulder season and continue our reputation for exciting sporting events that bring both competitors and spectators to the destination,” he said.

Other key stakeholders welcomed the addition to the Oceania Mountain Bike Continental Series, highlighting the opportunities it provides for athletes and the wider mountain bike community. Read more about the new mountain bike event announced for Cairns.

Entries for the 2026 Oceania Continental Series Finale will open soon on the AusCycling website.