The Rift MTB - Iceland Stage Race 2026

The Rift MTB is a five-day mountain bike stage race in Akureyri, northern Iceland, where teams of two ride each stage together. The event begins and ends in Akureyri, sending participants into North Iceland’s rugged landscape instead of a basic gravel circuit. Lauf Cycles hosts the race, which the organizers have stated is currently paused but may return. Stages cover 50 to 100 km with 1,000 to 2,500 m of elevation change, meaning riders might be in the saddle for three to nine hours daily. The course includes asphalt, gravel, mud, rocky sections, technical trails, and smooth singletrack, with surfaces varying from firm and fast to loose and sandy. Riders will navigate the shores of Eyjafjörður, ascend highland plateaus, pass through birch forests, and manage potentially tricky river or stream crossings. Accounts from participants characterize the stages as demanding, featuring volcanic ridges, glacial rivers, fast gravel descents, sustained climbs, and descents that challenge both endurance and bike control.