OZ Stage Race Set to Debut This Week, Bringing Riders from 36 States and 6 Countries to Northwest Arkansas
BENTONVILLE, AR - The inaugural OZ Stage Race is officially here.
Beginning May 21–24, 2026, riders from 36 states and six countries will descend on Northwest Arkansas for four days of world-class mountain bike racing across the region’s iconic OZ Trails network.
Produced by the Ozark Foundation, the inaugural event has drawn a remarkable level of participation for its first year, reinforcing Northwest Arkansas’ reputation as one of the premier mountain bike destinations in the world.
"To see this level of participation in year one is incredibly exciting and speaks to the reputation Northwest Arkansas has built as a global cycling destination," said Mike Spivey, President & CEO of Ozark Foundation. "Having riders travel here from 36 states and six countries for the inaugural OZ Stage Race validates what we’ve believed all along that this region is ready to host a world-class multi-day mountain bike stage race."
Envisioned as the crown jewel off-road cycling event of the OZ Trails network, the OZ Stage Race features a four-day format consisting of a prologue and three demanding stages through Bentonville and Bella Vista. Riders will tackle a mix of technical singletrack, flow trail, punchy climbs, and ledgy terrain.
Participants are competing across professional and amateur categories, both individually and in two-person teams.
Race Format & Finalized Stages
Prologue - May 21
OZ Trails Bike Park
The race opens with a short, high-intensity prologue at the OZ Trails Bike Park, marking the first-ever competitive event hosted at the new facility.
Ozark Foundation is honored that the OZ Stage Race will serve as the inaugural event at the Bike Park, launching what is expected to become a landmark venue for gravity events and community riding experiences in Northwest Arkansas.
Stage One - Back 40
The first full stage sends riders through Bella Vista’s renowned Back 40 Trail System, featuring flowing singletrack, rolling terrain, and a fast-paced opening day that rewards rhythm and smart pacing.
A true introduction to stage racing in Northwest Arkansas, Stage One sets the tone for the challenges ahead.
Stage Two - Little Sugar
Known as the queen stage, Little Sugar delivers the most demanding climbing of the race.
Riders will face relentless elevation gain, technical features, and sustained physical demands across one of Northwest Arkansas’ most challenging trail systems.
This is the stage where pacing, fueling, and resilience will prove critical.
Stage Three - Bentonville Finale
The final stage races from Coler MTB Preserve to Bella Vista, routing riders through Coler MTB Preserve,Slaughter Pen, Handcut Hollow, and Blowing Springs before crossing the finish line for the final time.
Though shorter in distance, the finale’s rocky technical terrain and technical demands ensure one final test.
The route offers a spectacular conclusion to three days of mountain bike stage racing.
OZ Stage Race builds on Ozark Foundation’s proven track record of producing premier outdoor recreation events, including Expedition Ozark, U.S. Pro Cup, and Arkansas Enduro Series.
Ozark Foundation’s Jamie Cathey serves as Event Director.
"OZ Stage Race is about far more than what happens between the start and finish lines," said Jamie Cathey, Event Director. "From the energy of each morning’s start village to strategically placed aid stations and fully supported recovery zones at every finish, every detail is designed to help riders focus on the experience. We’ve built this event to challenge athletes on the bike while delivering the support, atmosphere, and hospitality that make stage racing truly memorable."
Kevin Tucker, Race Director, added:
"The course showcases the diversity of OZ Trails better than any event we’ve produced. Riders will experience everything from flow and speed to technical precision and true stage-race strategy."
Live updates, stage results, and event coverage will be available throughout race weekend atwww.ozstagerace.com
Follow @ozstagerace on Instagram and Facebook for race coverage.
Video and Photos: https://app.air.inc/a/biSVmgNkh
Media Contact: Jamie Cathey
OZ Stage Race Event Director
Ozark Foundation
jcathey@ozarkfoundation.org
(864) 637-9616
About Ozark Foundation
Ozark Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that creates healthy and enriching outdoor recreational experiences in Arkansas. To fulfill its mission, Ozark Foundation partners with organizations to host, create and operate a variety of outdoor recreational events. From world-class championship caliber races to fun outdoor family events, the foundation aims to position Arkansas as a premier outdoor recreation destination where all are welcome regardless of ability. More at www.ozarkfoundation.org.
More at www.ozarkfoundation.org
About OZ Trails
OZ Trails is a world-class network of more than 500 miles of soft-surface shared-use trails, headquartered in Bentonville, Ark., The Mountain Biking Capital of the World™. OZ Trails was born out of deep ties and support from our community and is carried out through loyal ambassadors, adventure seekers, riders, grinders, runners, and hikers. OZ Trails strives to inspire everyone to come and celebrate their full selves in a world of nature, art, and culture with an open-heart, an inclusive mind and a welcoming spirit. More at www.oztrails.com.
More at www.oztrails.com