GDL Downhill Series 2026

The 11th edition of the GDL Mountain Bike Downhill Series opened its 2026 season on March 28–29 at the Quanlin MTB Park in Zhongshan, China. As the traditional season opener, the event attracted a strong field of domestic and international riders ready to test themselves on a brand-new track layout.

Organised by the Guangzhou Downhill Association and operated by Guangzhou Juneng Sports, the race delivered high-level competition on a course designed to challenge even the most experienced downhill specialists.

A Fresh Track with Serious Bite

The newly designed course combined sections of the park’s Blue Line with additional features, stretching 2,000 meters with a vertical drop of 255 meters. Riders faced a demanding mix of steep chutes, tight corners, jumps, off-camber sections, and root-filled lines.

Built along the natural ridge line of the venue, the track offered a fast yet highly technical riding experience. Narrow forest sections and consecutive jump features required precise line choice and full commitment, pushing riders to their limits.

High-Speed Battles Across Categories

With the GDL series now in its 11th year, demand continues to grow rapidly. Registration for the opening round sold out almost instantly, prompting organisers to expand categories—especially for younger riders—highlighting the explosive growth of downhill racing in China.

The fastest time of the weekend came from Tu Xuanzhou (CYCGO Team), who dominated the highly competitive U29 category with a winning run of 2:55.224, averaging an impressive 40 km/h.

Young talent also made a strong statement. In the U19 category, Leng Youzhen (MDK Racing) clocked a remarkable 2:58.617, the only rider outside the U29 class to break the 3-minute barrier.

In the junior ranks, Fang Yuze (AKKI Pro Team, U15) and Chen Junxi (AKKI Pro Team, U17) both delivered standout performances, finishing just shy of the three-minute mark—clear signs of a rapidly rising generation in Chinese downhill.

Rider Reactions

Race winner Tu Xuanzhou credited his performance to detailed preparation: memorising every section of the track and refining speed and technique during training runs. Despite not feeling particularly fast during his final run, he improved his qualifying time by a full second.

Second-place finisher Rong Kang highlighted the increasingly technical nature of the Quanlin track, especially the newly built off-camber sections, while also noting the growing participation and talent among young riders.

Third-place rider Xiao Cong emphasised the progress of Chinese youth riders, pointing out that their level is now comparable to international competitors, supported by the development of high-quality bike parks across the country.

In the women’s race, Li Haixin took the win, describing the track as highly challenging, particularly the off-camber sections.

Looking Ahead

The next round of the 2026 GDL Downhill Series will take place on July 18–19 at Thaiwoo Bike Park in Chongli, Zhangjiakou—one of China’s premier mountain biking destinations.

Results (Top Placings)

U10 (Kids)

Zeng Lexi, Wei Lai, Liang Xiaoyou, Liang Jiaming, Yan Chen, Huang Zilin, Li Zilin, Kong Nuoyao

U13 (Children)

Guo Yibo, Wang Yingjia, Li Siyan, Yang Jiaming, Sarosi, Lynus King, Tian Xianyi, Huang Jianyi, Luo Yuchen

U15 (Youth)

Fang Yuze, Yuan Weiqi, Liang Zhenxi, Wei Yishen, Huang Pinjun, Jiang Mingzheng, Yang Haoyuan, Wu Guoliang

U17 (Junior Youth)

Chen Junxi, Xie Xitong, Tan Nuohao, Huang Yankai, Wu Peiwei, Hu Shaoxun, Lu Linchuan, Wu Ruibai

U19 (Junior)

Leng Youzhen, Wu Wanxi, Lin Zhengan, Chen Jinhuan, Dong Bolin, Yang Chuanqi, Lin Jianle, Ou Jiajie

40+ (Masters)

Liu Shusen, Su Shenliang, Huang Yuefeng, Gao Boxian, Zhao Yi, Sarosi Daniel, You Weidong, Yang Dongsheng

Women

Li Haixin, Yang Shiyun, Ma Fengjun, Chen Jieyu, Yan Meiying, Ye Jiazhen

U39

Jiang Zijie, Tang Mengqi, Lin Mincong, Lu Guanda

U29 (Elite)

Tu Xuanzhou, Rong Kang, Xiao Cong, Ouyang Wenyuan, Zhao Zhenjie, Ma Shijie, Peng Yiming, Wang Jiajun

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