Ari backs the 2026 event that will crown the most versatile mountain bike riders in the
world
BOISE, IDAHO – Hard MTB League is proud to announce Ari Bikes as an official sponsor of
the 2026 season. Ari Bikes is the first of a growing roster of partners supporting the League's
mission to identify and cultivate the best all-around riding in the sport of mountain biking — a
mission backed by Hard MTB’s Leagues $125k+ prize purse and its Local Challenge group rides
to be held around the country.
What is Hard MTB League?
The Hard MTB League was built to showcase the world’s most versatile MTB riders —
combining four core disciplines, Downhill Gnar, Tech Climbing, Raw Slalom, and Tech Rhythm,
into one high-energy, spectator-friendly event. It’s the ultimate testing ground and stage for the
riders to push themselves and their bikes to the absolute limit.
"I'm pumped for Hard MTB League — it's rare you see a fully new event, series, and format
come to life. Having Ari Bikes come on board as a sponsor shows their commitment to the sport.
It's a perfect fit, and I can't wait to show up and throw down on my Nebo Peak this year." —
Kyle Strait.
Hard MTB League — Mission
The Hard MTB League is dedicated to supporting athletes at every level. Beyond the $125k+
prize purse for the 2026 season, world-class courses, and an incredible competition experience,
we provide brand coaching, skills coaching, and mental performance coaching to help riders
perform at their best — on and off the bike. Our Global Travel Awards ensure geography is
never a barrier, giving international riders a path to the qualifier and a shot at the finals. And by
pairing our youngest riders with League veterans, we're building a culture of mentorship that
carries the sport forward. At the heart of it all our mission is to ignite resilience and inspire
greatness.
Beyond the competitive stage, we're passionate about getting out into the community through our
Hard MTB Challenge group rides — where camaraderie thrives, riders lift each other up, andnew friendships are forged on the trails. It's the spirit of Hard MTB brought to everyday riders
everywhere.
Hard MTB League — Timeline
2024 — October 23-26: Hard MTB League "Test Event"
2025 — October 24: Hard MTB League “Pro Invitational”
2026 — March 28 & April 11: Local Challenges, San Diego & Boise
2026 — May 20-23 — Hard MTB League Open Qualifier
2026 — October 21-24 — Hard MTB League Finals
Four of the sport's most formidable athletes will compete on Ari bikes at the May 23 qualifier.
The connection between the two brands runs deep — Tegan Cruz and Kailey Skelton, both Ari
riders, took the top spot at last year's Hard MTB League Pro Invitational and return in 2026 to
defend their titles, joined by the Ari roster:
• Kyle Strait – Two-time Red Bull Rampage champion and freeride legend who has
competed at every edition of Rampage from 2001-2024.
• Tegan Cruz – Canadian downhill phenom, two-time Junior National Champion, and
newest member of the Ari Factory Racing Team, and defending 2025 Hard MTB League
champion.
• Kailey Skelton – Three-time U.S. National Downhill Champion, one of the most
dominant forces in American women's gravity racing, and defending 2025 Hard MTB
League champion.
• Nik Nestoroff – Multi-discipline powerhouse from Junior National Downhill
championships to victory at the prestigious Sea Otter Dual Slalom (2024) and multiple
Big Mountain Enduro wins.
• April Zastrow – Former WMX pro with seven seasons of professional motocross racing,
bringing elite two-wheel pedigree to the MTB world as a versatile addition to the roster.
"Hard MTB League is exactly the kind of competition Ari bikes were designed for," said Chris
Washburn, CEO of Ari Bikes. "Our bikes are built to handle everything — the climbs, the
descents, the jumps — and so are the athletes lining up on May 23. Seeing riders like Kyle,
Tegan, Kailey, and Nik put our machines through a true all-around test is what this brand is
about. We're proud to be part of what Hard MTB League is building."
Ari Bikes’ partnership with the Hard MTB League reflects their commitment to the League, the
pro riders pushing the sport’s limits — from the Qualifying event (May 20–23) to the Finals(Oct. 21–24) the riders will compete for the $125k+ combined prize purse for the 2026 Season
— and to the broader community through Local Challenge group rides that open the door for
riders of all ability levels.
For more information about the 2026 Hard MTB Challenge series, visit
www.hardmtbleague.com and follow @hardmtbleague on Instagram.
