The Maxxis Eastern States Cup Announces the Return of the Showdown Series and a New Partnership for the 2026 Season
We’re excited to announce that we’ve added two awesome partners to the Maxxis Eastern States Cup Series: Thule and the Athletic Brewing Company.
The Thule Showdown Series
Our Showdown weekends have always been a huge part of the ESC. These are the weekends where we run both Downhill and Enduro at the same venue, giving racers a chance to earn 110% series points. We are proud to announce the return of the Thule Showdown Series for 2026.
Thule is a brand that almost every mountain biker knows and uses to get their bikes to the mountain. Having them support our three biggest events at Killington, Thunder Mountain, and Jiminy Peak is a big deal for us. They’ll be helping us recognize the riders who have the grit to race both disciplines in one weekend.
Post-Race Refreshments with Athletic Brewing
We’re also bringing Athletic Brewing Company on board this year. For anyone who likes a cold beer after a long day of racing but still wants to stay sharp for the drive home or the next day’s stages, this is a perfect fit.
Athletic Brewing will provide its award-winning non-alcoholic brews at every event on our 2026 schedule. We’re going to set up their tent and a cooler right next to our results trailer. It’s going to be the main spot for racers, friends, and families to hang out, swap stories from the trail, and check the live standings.
Our 2026 Partners
A series like this doesn’t happen without a lot of support, and we are lucky to have some of the best brands in the business standing behind us this year. Along with our new partners, I want to make sure to thank everyone helping us make the 2026 season possible:
• Maxxis Tires: Our long-time title sponsor who keeps everyone hooked up on the dirt.
• Intense Cycles: The title sponsor of our Downhill Series.
• Cannondale: The title sponsor of our Enduro Series.
• MTB Shock Lab: Our series presenting sponsor, helping racers keep their suspension dialed.
• Dirt-Care: Keeping the bikes clean and running right between stages.
• Box Components: Providing our Number Plates.
A Huge Season Ahead
The 2026 schedule is one of our best yet. We’re visiting classic spots like Mount Snow, Killington, and Thunder Mountain. We’ll be hosting a highly anticipated DH race at Highland Mountain Bike Park and visiting some brand-new venues, like Norbrook Brewery and Otis Mountain.
We introduced our Women’s Mentorship program this year to get more ladies out on the Enduro tracks with some help from the pros. It’s all about growing the community and having a good time on bikes.
The season starts on April 26 with our return to Diamond Hill in Rhode Island.
Head over to the Maxxis ESC Website to see the details and the full schedule.
See you at the races
2026 MAXXIS EASTERN STATES CUP PRESENTED BY MTB SHOCK LAB SCHEDULE
INTENSE CYCLES DH SERIES
May 3 Powder Ridge, CT
June 7 Mountain Creek, NJ
June 21 Highland, NH
July 12 Killington, VT*
Aug 2 Mount Snow, VT
Aug 9 Thunder Mountain, MA*
Aug 23 Jiminy Peak, MA*
Aug 30 Blue Mountain, PA
Oct 25 Thunder Mountain, MA Finals**
CANNONDALE ENDURO SERIES
April 26 Diamond Hill, RI
May 17 Powder Ridge, CT
May 31 Arrowhead, NH
June 28 Norbrook Brewery, CT
July 12 Killington, VT*
Aug 9 Thunder Mountain, MA*
Aug 23 Jiminy Peak, MA*
Sept 20 Otis Mountain, NY
Oct 18 Arrowhead, NH Finals**
THULE SHOWDOWN SERIES
July 12 Killington, VT
Aug 9 Thunder Mountain, MA
Aug 23 Jiminy Peak, MA
CANNONDALE E-BIKE ENDURO SERIES
April 26 Diamond Hill, RI
May 17 Powder Ridge, CT
May 31 Arrowhead, NH
June 28 Norbrook Brewery, CT
Aug 9 Thunder Mountain, MA*
Aug 23 Jiminy Peak, MA*
Sept 20 Otis Mountain, NY
Oct 18 Arrowhead, NH Finals**
* Showdown Bonus 110% Maxxis ESC Series Points
** Series Finals Bonus 125% Maxxis ESC Series Points