Ozark Foundation Announces OZ STAGE RACE – A Premier Mountain Bike Stage Race Debuting Memorial Day Weekend 2026 in Northwest Arkansas
BENTONVILLE, AR — October 17, 2025 — Ozark Foundation announces the launch of OZ Stage Race, debuting May 21–24, 2026, over Memorial Day weekend in Northwest Arkansas.Envisioned as OZ Trail’s crown jewel, off-road, cycling event, OZ Stage Race is a three-day mountain bike stage race set in Bentonville and Bella Vista. The event will feature three distinct point-to-point stages each starting from a different location in Northwest Arkansas. The three main stages will consist of 32 to 50 miles of scenic pavement, gravel, double track, and cross-country single-track trails. Participants can compete individually or in two-person teams, with separate pro and amateur categories. The event will be capped at 400 combined participants in its inaugural year and is expected to draw elite professionals and top amateurs nationwide.
OZ Stage Race builds on a proven record of successful outdoor recreation events produced Ozark Foundation, including Expedition Ozark, U.S. Pro Cup, and Arkansas Enduro Series. Ozark Foundation’s Jamie Cathey will serve as the event director. Cathey brings 10+ years of experience managing outdoor recreation events. “The OZ Stage Race will be more than a competition — it will be an experience,” says Cathey. “It will showcase our world-class OZ Trails system, but it will also highlight everything that makes Northwest Arkansas such a unique and vibrant destination.”
Kevin Tucker of Ozark Foundation will serve as the race director. Tucker brings 10+ years of experience managing multi-day cycling events. “Like all our events, OZ Stage Race will offer great racing and an elevated OZ Trails experience with a few surprises mixed in,” says Tucker.
“A multi-day mountain bike stage race has long been a dream of ours and is one of the few remaining offroad events needed in our region,” said Michael Spivey, President & CEO of Ozark Foundation. “This event will offer a healthy mix of punchy climbing, flow and technicality. We aim to make it one of the premier, multi-day, off road events in North America.”
Additional information for registration info, course maps, and event announcements will be available at www.ozstagerace.com. Follow @ozstagerace on Instagram and Facebook for news and updates.
Video and Photos: https://app.air.inc/a/biSVmgNkhContacts:
Jamie Cathey
OZ Stage Race Event Director
Ozark Foundation
jcathey@ozarkfoundation.org
(864)637-9616
About Ozark Foundation
Ozark Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that creates healthy and enriching outdoor recreational experiences in Arkansas. To fulfill its mission, Ozark Foundation partners with organizations to host, create and operate a variety of outdoor recreational events. From world-class championship caliber races to fun outdoor family events, the foundation aims to position Arkansas as a premier outdoor recreation destination where all are welcome regardless of ability. More at www.ozarkfoundation.org.
About OZ Trails
OZ Trails is a world-class network of more than 500 miles of soft-surface shared-use trails, headquartered in Bentonville, Ark., The Mountain Biking Capital of the World™. OZ Trails was born out of deep ties and support from our community and is carried out through loyal ambassadors, adventure seekers, riders, grinders, runners, and hikers. OZ Trails strives to inspire everyone to come and celebrate their full selves in a world of nature, art, and culture with an open-heart, an inclusive mind and a welcoming spirit. More at www.oztrails.com.