How to Watch UCI Mountain Bike World Championships 2026: Free Streams, Schedule & VPN Guide
UCI Mountain Bike World Championships 2026 runs Aug 26-30 in Val di Sole, Italy. Learn how to watch free or via broadcasters, plus the full schedule and VPN tips.
Day 1 on Wednesday, August 26 begins with the Women’s Elite E-Mountain Bike Cross-Country at 4am ET / 9am BST, followed by the Men’s Elite E-Mountain Bike Cross-Country at 5.30am ET / 10.30am BST, and the Mixed Team Relay at 11am ET / 4pm BST. In the E-MTB category, reigning champion Anna Spielmann will face a field that no longer includes her closest rival, Kathrin Stirnemann, who has retired. On the men’s side, Jerome Gilloux is aiming for a third consecutive title after winning the past two editions, with 2023 winner Joris Ryf expected to challenge after finishing second last year.
The Mixed Team Relay requires each nation to field one rider from each of six mountain bike classes – Elite Women, Elite Men, U23 Women, U23 Men, Junior Women and Junior Men – racing in any order around a 2.4km circuit with 120m of elevation gain. France, Italy and Switzerland made the podium in this event 12 months ago.
Free live coverage is available via the UCI YouTube channel in countries where Val di Sole 2026 has not signed a broadcasting partner. In addition, free coverage is offered on VRT and RTBF in Belgium, RSI/RTS/SRF in Switzerland, RAI in Italy, and L'Équipe in France.
For viewers in the United States, FloBikes holds the rights and requires a subscription priced at $155.88 per year or $39.99 per month. In the UK, TNT Sports is broadcasting the event; fans can add TNT Sports to a Sky, Virgin Media or EE TV package or choose an HBO Max plan that includes TNT Sports, with prices starting at £25.99 per month on an annual commitment. In Australia, Stan Sport is showing the championships, costing AU$20 per month on top of a Stan subscription, which starts at AU$9.99 per month. In Canada, FloBikes is also the broadcaster, with subscriptions at CA$49.99 per month or CA$215.88 per year.
For viewers who are traveling outside their home country, a VPN can be used to access the same streaming services as if they were back home. The article recommends Surfshark as a reliable option, with discounts available, and notes that it can unlock YouTube and other services.
The full schedule includes Thursday, August 27 with junior cross-country races and short track events for U23 and elite riders; Friday, August 28 features junior downhill qualification; the remaining days cover finals and additional disciplines.