SPECIALIZED BICYCLES AND HARD MTB LEAGUE TEAM UP FOR 2026
Specialized takes on the Sport’s Most Demanding All-Around Competition Format With Pro Rider Mitch Ropelato riding the Turbo Levo R from Start to Finish
BOISE, IDAHO — Hard MTB League is proud to announce Specialized Bicycles as an official sponsor of the 2026 season. As part of the new partnership, Specialized will bring its all-new Turbo Levo R into the most demanding multi-discipline mountain bike competition on the planet, placing the Levo R in a head-to-head battle against elite analog riders on the same course, the same day, under the same pressure. In the Hard MTB League’s arena we’ll see if today’s e-bike technology has the power and agility needed to win!
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, 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.
“Specialized is the perfect sponsor for what we’re building,” said Mitch Ropelato, Hard MTB Athlete. “Supporting the League shows exactly how committed they are to pushing the sport forward and backing the riders who make it exciting.”
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. Camaraderie thrives, riders lift each other up, and new 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 w/$125K Prize Purse
As an Official Race Sponsor, Specialized will have its presence felt across the full event, along with three of the most multi-dimensional riders taking part in the Open Qualifying event in May:
• Mitch Ropelato: U.S. national champion and one of the most technically complete riders in mountain biking—from downhill, enduro, dual slalom, and even competing in Red Bull Rampage.
• Cody Kelley: A multi-discipline threat with victories across the highest levels of competition in downhill, enduro, and dual slalom.
• Bas van Steenbergen: Back-to-back King of Crankworx, known for dominating pump track and slalom with a rare combination of precision and high-speed aggression.
Specialized’s partnership spans the full 2026 season as an Official Race Sponsor of the League. The 2026 Hard MTB League Qualifier runs May 20–23, with the Finals October 21–24. Riders compete for the $125k+ combined prize purse for the 2026 season.
For more information about the 2026 Hard MTB League season, visit www.hardmtbleague.com and follow @hardmtbleague on Instagram.
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 Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc.
Specialized Bicycle Components was founded in 1974 by riders for riders. Based in Northern California, Specialized focuses on the rider’s need for functional and technically advanced products that provide a performance benefit. Visit specialized.com.
Media Contact: Scott Hart at Hard MTB League | scott@hardmtbleague.com
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