The mountain bike scene in Upper Swabia is getting prominent support: PROPAIN is joining as the official main partner of the OMV Cup for the 2026 season. In doing so, the company is strengthening its commitment to young talent and popular sport and sending a clear signal in favour of promoting the regional bike community.
The OMV Cup has established itself in junior mountain sports over the years and epitomises what biking is all about at grassroots level: passion, community and development. This is where clubs, families, volunteers and young riders come together to gain their first racing experience and develop their sporting skills. The series creates a platform where both beginners and ambitious young talents can find their place. Bike manufacturer Propain is now taking up the cause and joining the OMV Cup as title sponsor for 2026.
Organised by several clubs, the OMV Cup is deeply rooted in the Upper Swabia region and is aimed specifically at children and young people. Beginners without a racing licence in particular should find a motivating introduction to competitive sport here. At the same time, the series also offers ambitious amateur riders a sporting stage. The race format reflects this approach: varied routes, different profiles and technical challenges ensure versatility. Stops in Rot an der Rot, Bad Waldsee, Amtzell, Binzwangen and Vogt are planned for the 2026 season. The programme includes formats such as Flowduro, Cross Country, Pump Track, Eliminator and another XC race at the finale. Whether you are looking for your first race number or want to develop your sporting skills, the OMV Cup offers the perfect setting for individual development in the saddle.
For Propain, the partnership goes far beyond classic sponsorship. With its involvement in the junior racing series, the brand wants to be an active part of the scene. The OMV Cup focusses on values such as riding fun, progress and team spirit. The races are intended to combine regional roots with sporting aspirations and make talents visible without losing sight of low-threshold access.
As a brand, we don't just want to build bikes, we want to be part of the stories that people experience on their bikes. The OMV Cup is a place where such stories begin. It's not just about results, but about getting started, development, courage, team spirit and the joy of riding. We are delighted to be able to accompany this journey as the main partner in the future. - Daniel Jahn, Head of Marketing at Propain
The partnership is also a good fit for Propain because the label consistently thinks about the sport from the perspective of the riders. With this commitment, the bike manufacturer not only wants to increase the visibility of the series, but also actively contribute to the further growth of mountain biking in the region. The aim is to reach new target groups and preserve the open, passionate character of the scene. This should also lead to more kids on bikes, sustainable experiences on the trail and ultimately a strong future for the sport of mountain biking.
In international comparison, Germany is not necessarily known for its strong promotion of young talent in mountain biking. That's why Propain's involvement in the OMV Cup is particularly pleasing. It is precisely these local racing series and the commitment of well-known brands that are needed to get more young people on bikes and promote the sport in the long term. - Jan Timmermann, BIKE editor

Editor