The VPACE Kids Cup will continue its success story next year. Seven races in three countries are on the schedule. All of this year's venues will be included, as well as a brand new destination. There will be changes to some of the tracks.

In recent years, the VPACE Kids Cup has established itself as a fixture in the racing calendar. From the outset, it was conceived as a precursor to the Rookies Cup, and it has now fully realised this ambition. In fact, the standard has improved enormously since the early days, and the series has been continuously developed and adapted to meet the requirements of a platform for very young talent. The races now look like real downhill competitions, just on a smaller size. What is not small, however, is the amazement of the spectators, because the level of the kids is so high that many of them are left speechless and their jaws drop on more than one occasion.

The series will continue to be supported by cult manufacturer VPACE as title sponsor in the coming season. iXS, MAXXIS, SR Suntour and GOBI – Die Gothaer Bildung will also remain on board. The commitment of these partners cannot be overstated, as it is only with their support that the quality of this series is possible.

A new feature for the coming season will be that the difficulty of the individual tracks will be increased slightly. The aim is to offer the older classes a higher level of challenge and thus respond to feedback from the paddock. At some stops, there will be different sections for the various classes, so that the Mini Kids class remains age-appropriate.

#2 Willingen (GER)

The second stop takes the Kids Cup family to the Bike Festival in Willingen. The setting is large and the side events varied. But on Saturday, many eyes will be on the young protagonists. The track will be completely new for the 2026 edition, thus meeting the requirements.

#3 Oberhof (GER)

The third race will take place at a familiar venue. Once again, the bike park in Oberhof will be hosting the event, welcoming not only the Rookies Cup but also the kids, and once again providing an unforgettable weekend for the next generation of downhill riders on the Rennsteig.

#4 Farchant (GER)

The midway point of the series returns to the mountains, more precisely to Farchant in the Zugspitzland region. Last year, the Bavarian town was part of the tour for the first time and immediately made a positive impression. So there was no question that the series would also stop there in 2026, at TSV Farchant e.V.

#6 Ilmenau (GER)

Ilmenau in the Thuringian Forest is then on the agenda again for the penultimate race. The small university town has been hosting mountain bike races for 30 years, and the ILRC now does such incredibly valuable work with young talent that a Kids Cup race is simply a must in the event portfolio.

#7 Leogang (AUT)

The series concludes, almost traditionally, at the Leogang Bike Park. The final race of the series takes place on the first weekend in October as part of the Bike Festival. The course is specially modified to meet the increased requirements and ensure an optimal finale.