11th GDL Downhill League Final

The 11th GDL Downhill League Final will take place from December 3–6, 2026, at Quanlin DARAY Mountain Bike Park in Zhongshan, Guangdong Province, China.

The four-day event will bring together three main competitions: the SR SUNTOUR Elite DH, the TRP Open DH, and the Whip Off contest.

mtbmagasia is listed as the event's strategic media partner.

International riders expected

The GDL Final will also welcome international talent, including former World Cup racers Brook McDonald and Sam Blenkinsop, both from New Zealand. Riders from South Korea and Thailand are also expected to attend, adding further international flavour to this year's event.

Venue and course

The event will be held at Quanlin DARAY Mountain Bike Park. According to the event announcement, the downhill course measures 1,750 metres, with 250 metres of vertical drop.

The published course specifications include:

• Track length: 1,750m
• Elevation drop: 250m
• Maximum gradient: 40%
• Average gradient: 14%
• Maximum recorded course speed: 48km/h
• Average course speed: 30km/h
• Estimated run time: 2:37.91

The venue features separate course sections for the Elite DH and Open DH competitions.

Race categories and rider capacity

The event features three competition formats, with a range of age and ability categories.

SR SUNTOUR Elite DH

The Elite DH competition includes six categories:

Participation is primarily based on results from the 2026 GDL Downhill League and China MTB Downhill League. The qualification criteria specify the following results from the respective finals:

• Women: Top 8
• Adult men (Elite, Masters, U39 and U29): Top 15
• Youth, Junior and other designated youth categories: Top 20
• U13: Top 5

Additional places are available for riders invited by the organising committee. Registered teams may also nominate up to two registered riders who have not otherwise qualified for the corresponding age category.

TRP Open DH

The TRP Open DH provides a broader range of categories, from younger riders to Masters and Women.

Whip Off

The Whip Off contest will have a maximum capacity of 30 riders. Participation requires registration in one of the downhill competitions.

Overall rider capacity

Based on the published category quotas, the event offers the following places:

• SR SUNTOUR Elite DH: 95
• TRP Open DH: 250
• Whip Off: 30

Total: 375 competition entries.

This figure represents the combined category quotas, not necessarily the number of individual riders, as competitors may enter more than one event.

Race format

The SR SUNTOUR Elite DH will follow a qualification and final format. Qualification results will determine the final starting order and available places in the final.

The TRP Open DH and Whip Off competitions will go directly to their respective finals.

Riders may enter multiple competitions, but can only compete in one category within each individual event.

Event schedule

Thursday, December 3

• 10:00–17:00: Elite DH and Whip Off check-in

Friday, December 4

• 10:00–17:00: TRP Open DH and Whip Off check-in
• 09:00–17:00: Open practice – Blue Line B
• 09:00–13:00: Open practice – Black Line
• 14:00–16:30: SR SUNTOUR Elite DH qualification – Black Line

Saturday, December 5

• 09:00–09:30: Opening ceremony
• 10:00–12:00: TRP Open DH check-in
• 10:00–16:00: Official training – Blue Line B
• 10:00–12:00: Official training – Black Line
• 13:30–15:30: SR SUNTOUR Elite DH Final – Black Line
• 16:00–17:00: Whip Off
• 17:20: Awards ceremony

Sunday, December 6

• 09:00–11:00: Official training – Blue Line B
• 11:30–16:00: TRP Open DH Final – Blue Line B
• 16:00–16:30: Awards ceremony

Important race information

Riders must report directly to the start area for their designated start-time check-in. Starting times will be published on the event notice board at the main venue before competition.

During racing, riders overtaking another competitor must give a clear warning. The rider being overtaken must move aside and allow the pass. Failure to do so may result in disqualification (DSQ). No reruns will be granted if a rider is obstructed during a run.

The technical committee reserves the right to assess whether a rider has the necessary skills to participate safely. Riders deemed unable to complete the course safely may have their participation withdrawn.

Competitors under 18 must be accompanied throughout the event by a parent, guardian or legally authorised representative.

Words: Mesum Verma

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