ARI BIKES IS THE OFFICIAL SPONSOR OF THE 2026 SEASON

March 6, 2026

Hard MTB League is proud to announce Ari Bikes as an official sponsor of the 2026 season. Ari Bikes is the first of a growing roster of partners supporting the League’s mission to identify and cultivate the best all-around riding in the sport of mountain biking — a mission backed by Hard MTB’s Leagues $125k+ prize purse and its Local Challenge group rides to be held around the country.

What is Hard MTB League?

The Hard MTB League was built to showcase the world’s most versatile MTB riders — combining four core disciplines, Downhill Gnar, Tech Climbing, Raw Slalom, and Tech Rhythm, into one high-energy, spectator-friendly event. It’s the ultimate testing ground and stage for the riders to push themselves and their bikes to the absolute limit.

“I’m pumped for Hard MTB League — it’s rare you see a fully new event, series, and format come to life. Having Ari Bikes come on board as a sponsor shows their commitment to the sport. It’s a perfect fit, and I can’t wait to show up and throw down on my Nebo Peak this year.” — Kyle Strait.

Hard MTB League — Mission

The Hard MTB League is dedicated to supporting athletes at every level. Beyond the $125k+ prize purse for the 2026 season, world-class courses, and an incredible competition experience, we provide brand coaching, skills coaching, and mental performance coaching to help riders perform at their best — on and off the bike. Our Global Travel Awards ensure geography is never a barrier, giving international riders a path to the qualifier and a shot at the finals. And by pairing our youngest riders with League veterans, we’re building a culture of mentorship that carries the sport forward. At the heart of it all our mission is to ignite resilience and inspire greatness.

Beyond the competitive stage, we’re passionate about getting out into the community through our Hard MTB Challenge group rides — where camaraderie thrives, riders lift each other up, and new friendships are forged on the trails. It’s the spirit of Hard MTB brought to everyday riders everywhere.

Hard MTB League — Timeline

• 2024 — October 23-26: Hard MTB League “Test Event”
• 2025 — October 24: Hard MTB League “Pro Invitational”
• 2026 — March 28 & April 11: Local Challenges, San Diego & Boise
• 2026 — May 20-23 — Hard MTB League Open Qualifier
• 2026 — October 21-24 — Hard MTB League Finals

Four of the sport’s most formidable athletes will compete on Ari bikes at the May 23 qualifier. The connection between the two brands runs deep — Tegan Cruz and Kailey Skelton, both Ari riders, took the top spot at last year’s Hard MTB League Pro Invitational and return in 2026 to defend their titles, joined by the Ari roster:

• Kyle Strait – Two-time Red Bull Rampage champion and freeride legend who has competed at every edition of Rampage from 2001-2024.
• Tegan Cruz – Canadian downhill phenom, two-time Junior National Champion, and newest member of the Ari Factory Racing Team, and defending 2025 Hard MTB League champion.
• Kailey Skelton – Three-time U.S. National Downhill Champion, one of the most dominant forces in American women’s gravity racing, and defending 2025 Hard MTB League champion.
• Nik Nestoroff – Multi-discipline powerhouse from Junior National Downhill championships to victory at the prestigious Sea Otter Dual Slalom (2024) and multiple Big Mountain Enduro wins.
• April Zastrow – Former WMX pro with seven seasons of professional motocross racing, bringing elite two-wheel pedigree to the MTB world as a versatile addition to the roster.

“Hard MTB League is exactly the kind of competition Ari bikes were designed for,” said Chris Washburn, CEO of Ari Bikes. “Our bikes are built to handle everything — the climbs, the descents, the jumps — and so are the athletes lining up on May 23. Seeing riders like Kyle, Tegan, Kailey, and Nik put our machines through a true all-around test is what this brand is about. We’re proud to be part of what Hard MTB League is building.”

Ari Bikes’ partnership with the Hard MTB League reflects their commitment to the League, the pro riders pushing the sport’s limits — from the Qualifying event (May 20–23) to the Finals (Oct. 21–24) the riders will compete for the $125k+ combined prize purse for the 2026 Season — and to the broader community through Local Challenge group rides that open the door for riders of all ability levels.

For more information about the 2026 Hard MTB Challenge series, visit www.hardmtbleague.com and follow @hardmtbleague on Instagram.