The WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series Golden Arrows celebrates world class athletic performance as well as the people, places, and creative talent that elevate the sport.
Awarded for the first time at the end of the 2026 race season, fans and expert panels will judge and select those that have delivered the biggest positive impact on the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series.
Below is a full breakdown of each award, who is eligible, and how winners are selected.
MTBWS Legacy Award
The Legacy Award celebrates individuals and organisations within the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series ecosystem who go beyond the race tape to make a lasting difference. It aims to recognise impactful initiatives, share best practices, encourage innovation and leadership, and inspire the wider MTB ecosystem, setting a standard for what responsible mountain biking looks like at the highest level of the sport.
Eligibility
The Legacy Award is open to contributors across the MTBWS ecosystem:
Local Organising Committees: For initiatives tied to one round or sustained across the season: trail regeneration, waste reduction, biodiversity partnerships or community engagement.
MTBWS Teams: for efforts beyond competition: inspiring fans, mobilising communities or championing environmental and social causes on and off the bike. Initiatives may be season-long or one-off, but must demonstrate a genuine, measurable contribution to the principles of Leave No Trace, Leave a Legacy.
Criteria
Throughout the season, teams and local organising committees will be invited to submit evidence of their CSR initiatives for consideration. An independent jury will assess each entry on impact, innovation, community reach and alignment with the programme's values.
Entry & Judging
The independent jury will be announced in due course.
Best Professional Photograph
This award recognises the most exceptional professional photograph captured during the 2026 season: a single image that encapsulates the drama, emotion, and spirit of mountain biking at the highest level.
Eligibility
Open to accredited professional photographers who:
Attended one or more rounds of the 2026 WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series as accredited media.
The submitted image must be captured during the 2026 season.
Will be present at the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series event in Lake Placid to receive the award.
Submit original, non AI photography (raw file may be requested).
May submit one image only.
Grant WBD Sports the rights to use the image in the promotion of the awards, and the series.
Criteria
Photographs are assessed on:
Technical Quality: Sharpness, exposure, composition, and use of light. Images must be of a professional standard, suitable for editorial use.
Storytelling & Impact: Capturing decisive or emotional moments. Images should convey the drama, intensity, or spirit of MTB.
Creativity & Originality: Unique perspectives or fresh interpretations of the sport.
Representation of the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series: Accurately and positively reflects the identity of the sporting series. Showcases athletes, venues, or fans in an authentic way.
Overall Aesthetic: Excellence visual appeal and memorability
Entry & Judging
Direct online submission (more details coming soon)
Shortlist selected by a panel of experts
Public vote for the winner
Event of the Year
This award celebrates the venue that delivered the most exceptional overall event experience during the 2026 season. The award celebrates excellence in organisation, facilities, course build, operations, atmosphere, and delivery across all aspects of the event.
Eligibility
All venues that hosted a round of the 2026 WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series.
Criteria
Events will be judged on:
Event Organisation & Operations: Efficient and professional event delivery; well-managed arrival and departure logistics.
Team & Athlete Facilities: Quality and accessibility of paddock, technical areas, and team support spaces. Adequate infrastructure (power, water, access, space).
Course & Venue Preparation: High standard of course design and preparation.
Hospitality & Experience: Welcoming and supportive environment for teams and staff; quality of services such as catering, transport, and accommodation support (where applicable).
Atmosphere & Identity: Strong event atmosphere and fan engagement; distinctive character that reflects positively on the series; venue contributes to the overall prestige of the MTBWS.
Entry & Judging
Automatic entry for all venues
Winners will be voted for by WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series Teams
Rookie of the Year
The Rookie of the Year Award recognises the most outstanding first-year elite athlete(s) who has made a significant impact within their sport during their debut season.
Eligibility
First year elite athletes competing in the 2026 UCI Downhill or Cross-country World Cups
Criteria
Athletes are evaluated on:
Performance Metrics: Results & overall standings; consistency across the season; record-breaking or standout performances.
Impact on the Sport: Contribution to their team's success; influence in key moments or major events; ability to compete at a high level early in their career.
Skill & Potential: Demonstrated technical ability and skill, rate of improvement throughout the season, long-term potential within the sport.
Professionalism & Sportsmanship: Behaviour on and off the race course; respect for opponents, officials, and rules; commitment to training and development.
Entry & Voting
All first year elite athletes in Downhill and Cross-country are automatically entered
There will be one winner in Downhill and one in Cross-country
Voted for by elite riders of WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series Teams
Awards Ceremony
The inaugural WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series Golden Arrow Awards will take place on the 4th October 2026, at the Lake Placid Olympic Centre.
The prestigious Mountain Bike Hall of Fame will also feature at the awards, with four new inductees welcomed into one of the sport’s highest honours in recognition of exceptional careers and lasting contributions to mountain biking. Founded in 1988, the Hall of Fame has honoured between three and seven pioneers of the sport each year. This marks the first time the inductions will take place outside of California since 2015.
Celebrating the Overall Winners
The event will see the official awarding of The Summit trophy to the overall winning teams in UCI Cross-country and Downhill (the overall Enduro team will be awarded earlier in the year); plus a special moment to recognise and celebrate the overall individual winners in these formats, with their overall trophy, The Globe.
Further information on the event and ticketing coming soon.
