Vibrantly coloured foliage, crystal-clear air and pleasant temperatures: this is when the best time of year begins for mountain bikers. These autumn events are the perfect chance to really let your hair down and go for it one last time before the long winter sets in.
You’ve been diligently clocking up the kilometres and building up your fitness all season – only to let it all go to waste on a plate of biscuits? No way! At these final marathons, cross-country and enduro races of the season, you can really put your fitness to good use:
The best MTB events in September
17–20 September. Bike Festa South Tyrol in Brixen. A major cycling event for all cycling categories, right in the heart of Brixen’s historic cathedral square. This is where the cycling concepts of the future will be presented and discussed. There are fun activities for the little ones, guides are on hand for all tour cyclists, and for bike park enthusiasts, the cable car up to the Plose. Information: bikefesta.com
20 September: The 20th Haltern MTB Race – Traditional cross-country race in Haltern am See / Flaesheim (Dachsberg / North Rhine-Westphalia) for age groups from U7 to seniors, also featuring fun and trial events. Information and registration: time-and-voice.com/de/mtb/haltern-2026/anmeldung
25–27 September: Golden Days Nauders - A brand-new fun event in the Three-Country Corner at the Reschen Pass. Featuring combined gravel and MTB races. Information: nauders.com
25–27 September: iXS European Downhill Cup – European Downhill Season Finale at the Pohorje Bike Park in Maribor, Slovenia. You don’t have to take part – cheering on the riders at the crucial section is great fun too.
26 September: ALB-GOLD Trophy – July anniversary! The traditional marathon and gravel event is taking place for the 30th time in Trochtelfingen in the Swabian Alb. Info: alb-gold.de
26 September – 3 October: SALT & LAKE Trail – A multi-day, unsupported bikepacking and trail adventure starting from Mondsee in Austria. The two routes: 480 km / 8,000 metres of elevation gain or 280 km / 5,000 metres of elevation gain over a maximum of 6 days. Info: saltandlaketrail.at
All MTB events in golden October 2026
2–4 October: Saalfelden Leogang Bike Festival – A major BIKE Expo and test festival at the Epic Bikepark Leogang (Austria). There’ll also be ride-outs with riding technique pros, a season-ending party and the Vpace Kids’ Cup – and the bike park is sure to come up with some extra special celebrations to mark its 25th anniversary this year. bikepark.saalfelden-leogang.com
3 October: Zeeland Coastal Marathon – A marathon on the North Sea beach?! Let’s put it this way: the event has been running for 22 years. Headwinds and sandy patches seem to make the 54-kilometre course interesting enough to attract several thousand participants, after all. Information: kustmarathon.nl
3–4 October: La Via dei Berici – A major, scenic Ride Out Marathon for off-road-capable bikes in Vicenza (between Lake Garda and Venice). There is also an ultra-run version (130 km). Info: aviadeiberici.com
10–11 October: Austrian National Enduro Championships – The official enduro highlight at Austria’s Faaker See Trail Centre. An event that takes place only once every four years. Registration with or without a licence: my.raceresult.com
10 October: Wasgau Bike Marathon – The iconic classic in Lemberg, in the Palatinate Forest, featuring trails over 53 kilometres (30 euros), 90 kilometres (37 euros) or a 25-kilometre family tour (20 euros). As has been the case for the past 32 years, the event kicks off with the legendary pasta party on Friday. Information: wasgau.bike
10 October: Wexl Jam A relaxed, fun-focused trail and enduro event on the Insta360 Line at the St. Corona Trail Park in Wechsel, Austria. Information: wexltrails.at
11 October: Strongman Cross Duathlon II – A gruelling combined event featuring trail running (8 km) and technical mountain biking (60 km) in Geel, Belgium. Information: runbikerun.net/strongman-cross-duatlon-geel
Gitta Beimfohr
Editor