The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) presents the “Golden Tickets”, an initiative designed to highlight riders who, through their performances at UCI Mountain Bike Continental Series events, obtain the right to take part in the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series.
Launched in 2025, UCI Mountain Bike Continental Series group together continental-level competitions organised under the aegis of the UCI and included on the UCI Mountain Bike International Calendar. In 2026, the five UCI Mountain Bike Continental Series comprise a total of 39 events – in cross-country olympic (XCO) and downhill (DHI) – held in 27 countries worldwide.
Developed in collaboration with the Continental Confederations, these Series support the progression of riders from regional racing to the international stage. In addition to allowing riders to earn UCI points, it also offers the opportunity to secure direct entry to a round of the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series, the sport’s premier series that brings together the UCI World Cups in mountain bike’s main formats.
In each eligible category, the three best-placed riders at each round – excluding riders registered with UCI World Series Teams – will be awarded a Golden Ticket during the podium ceremonies, symbolising their right to compete in a round of the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series of their choice within 52 weeks of receiving it. The eligible categories are as follows:
XCO: Elite Men, Elite Women, Under‑23 Men, and Under‑23 Women (refer to Article 4.10.001, point 5 of the UCI Regulations)
DHI: Elite Men, Elite Women, Junior Men, and Junior Women (refer to Article 4.11.001, point 5 of the UCI Regulations).
Through the Golden Tickets, the UCI showcases the top performers in these UCI Mountain Bike Continental Series and highlights a system that gives promising riders worldwide the opportunity to compete at the highest level, potentially paving the way for an international professional career.