Want to compete?
One of Only Four U.S. Qualifiers Is Coming to Joplin
This August, riders from across the region will compete at MOmentum Bike Park for a chance to qualify for the Velosolutions UCI Pump Track World Championships — placing Joplin on the map as part of an international race series.
Why this event is a big deal:
Elite pump track riders from across the globe will be able to compete at MOmentum Bike Park to punch their ticket to the World Championships to be held in China this October.
What do Sydney, Australia; Valence, France; Sheffield, England; Yantai City, China; and Joplin, Missouri have in common?
They’re communities, particularly cycling communities, selected to host 2026 UCI Pump Track Qualifier events. Joplin’s Momentum Bike Park will be the site for an international Pump Track event in its inaugural season.
Announced recently as one of 23 locations around the globe, Joplin is one of only four U.S. communities to host a 2026 Velosolutions/UCI Pump Track Qualifier event, August 14-15, 2026.
The 2026 Velosolutions UCI Pump Track World Championships will take place on October 16 and 17 in Beijing’s Mentougou District, China. The event will mark the end of a season of 23 qualifying events organized in 19 countries.
Anyone Can Compete In Lower Race Categories:
The Joplin event is also open to riders of all ages and skills, with "Pump Track Challenge" categories available. This means hardware and bragging rights are available for over 10 competition classes ranging from kids under 6 years of age, to a men's 60+ class, and a women's 30+ class.
How to Compete:
Register by clicking the link above. Elite racers will need to get a UCI race license from USA Cycling by race day. Pump Track Challenge categories do not require any license.
What Racers Are Competing For:
Every rider who registers and competes will get a medal, race jersey, swag bag and bracelet.
The male and female winners of the elite qualifier category in the Joplin event will win a trip to the World Championships, the other podium finishers of the elite category will also be invited to the World Championships.
What Is A Pump Track Qualifer Event?
Pump track is fast-paced and requires riders to navigate rollers, berms, and jumps without pedaling. Competitors race head-to-head in knockout rounds for the win.
Joplin Is Excited to Host and Show Our MOmentum
“This is wonderful news for Joplin and the surrounding community,” said Patrick Tuttle, Director of VisitJoplin. “We’re proud of our new bike park, and know it offers exciting opportunities for area riders, but having this type of qualifier in our first year of opening will create a lot of energy and focus from the cycling communities. It’s an excellent way to introduce the park and Joplin to these groups.”
Who Is Organizing the Race Event?
Joplin Parks & Recreation have partnered with Rufus Racing to organize and host the race at MOmentum Bike Park.
Categories:
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Pump Track World Championships Qualifier (PTWCQ)
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Categories:
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Women's Elite (17+)
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Men's Elite (17+)
There will be a VIP tent for elites.
Legal age to participate in PTWCQ: 17 years in the year of the event (Birth year 2009 or older).For the Men's and Women's elite qualifier, a license is required by race day. An official UCI ID or any kind of cycling license (Daily, Road, BMX, MTB, Cycling for all, etc.) from the National Cycling Federation is required to participate at this race. This can be a one-day or annual license from USA Cycling. Foreign riders need to have an official license from their own National Cycling Federation to participate abroad. US racers can get their race license at: https://usacycling.org/member
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Other Pump Track Challenge Race Categories:
No license is required for the Pump Track Challenge (Junior and age group categories).-
YOUTH Male and Female
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Kids U7 (Birth year 2020 or younger)
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Kids U9 (Birth year 2018-2019)
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Kids U11 (Birth year 2016-2017)
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Youth U13 (Birth year 2014-2015)
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Youth U15 (Birth year 2012-2013)
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Youth U17 (Birth year 2010-2011)
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Challenge Categories
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Women's Open 30+ (Birth year 1996 or older)
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Men's Open 30-39 (Birth year 1987-1996)
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Male Amateur 40-49 (Birth year 1977-1986)
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Male Amateur 50-59 (Birth year 1967-1976)
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Male Amateur 60+ (Birth year 1966 or older)
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Schedule:
Friday, August 14: (subject to change)
Saturday, August 15: (subject to change)
12:00 PM PTWCQ Riders Briefing - Elite
2:00 PM - 2:30 PM Break
3:00 PM Pump Track Challenge - Riders Briefing Finalist
3:15 PM - 6:30 PM Pump Track Challenge Knock-Out Heat Finals - Youth and Masters
7:00 PM Warm up Elite