Strengthening Its Global Leadership in Mountain Bike Innovation, Canyon Invests in the Growth of a Bold New Multi‑Discipline Racing Format
BOISE, IDAHO – Hard MTB League announces Canyon Bicycles as an Official Bike Partner for the 2026 season, bringing together one of the most innovative bike brands on the planet with the sport's most progressive racing format.
Canyon's partnership with Hard MTB League represents a natural evolution of the brand's long-standing relationship with founder Braydon Bringhurst. Having previously collaborated on major media projects and events, Canyon recognized in Braydon the same innovation-driven approach that built their reputation: questioning the status quo and pushing boundaries.
Hard MTB League differentiates itself by rejecting traditional specialization. Rather than separating riders into Downhill, Enduro, or Cross-Country categories, the league demands mastery across all disciplines in unified competition. Canyon's engineering philosophy aligns perfectly with this approach—creating bikes that perform at the highest level across varied terrain and challenges.
Two Canyon athletes will compete at the 2026 qualifier, each embodying the versatility and progression that defines both brands:
Luca Cometti — A two‑time Dual Slalom National Champion with World Cup Downhill roots, bringing seasoned insight and a creative approach to the sport's progression.
Olivia Silva — A slopestyle and dirt‑jump specialist who's been part of Hard MTB League since day one, competing in both the Test Event and the Pro Invitational while bringing her creative, aerial style to the roster.
"Canyon has been part of my journey for just over 7 years, and they understand what we're building here," said Braydon Bringhurst, Hard MTB League Founder. "They don't just sponsor events—they partner with movements that push the sport forward. This format represents what I believe to be the future of all-mountain bike racing, and Canyon gets it.”
The partnership extends beyond race-day support. Canyon will provide technical expertise, athlete support, and strategic collaboration as Hard MTB League expands internationally with events planned in North America, Australia, and Europe.
Canyon Bicycles has a proven track record supporting boundary-pushing events and athletes worldwide—from World Championship-winning riders to grassroots racing initiatives. Their direct-to-consumer model democratizes high-performance technology, making world-class equipment accessible to riders at every level.
About Hard MTB League
Hard MTB League is the ultimate test of complete mountain biking ability. Founded by professional rider and filmmaker Braydon Bringhurst in 2023, Hard MTB fills a void in the sport by crowning riders who can do it all—climb, descend, jump, and navigate technical terrain at the highest level. While traditional competitions force specialization into strict disciplines, Hard MTB League celebrates versatility, pushing modern trail bikes and their riders to the absolute limit in a spectator-friendly format where fans witness every moment of the action. The league debuted as a Pro Invitational in 2024, showcasing elite athletes alongside community events that welcome riders of all abilities. Hard MTB League is the next evolution of competition—where the most complete all‑around rider shows what mountain biking is truly capable of.
About Canyon Bicycles
Canyon Bicycles is a world-leading manufacturer of road, mountain, triathlon, fitness, urban, and e-bikes. Founded in 1985 and headquartered in Koblenz, Germany, Canyon works hand-in-hand with elite athletes worldwide to produce award-winning bikes that embody pure passion for riding. Canyon's direct-to-consumer model delivers cutting-edge technology and performance directly to riders globally.
For more information about the 2026 Hard MTB Challenge series, visit our Press Room at www.hardmtbleague.com/pressroom and follow @hardmtbleague on social media.
Media Contact: Scott Hart at Hard MTB League scott@hardmtbleague.com
