Thredbo Gravity Series #1 Specialized Sidewinder Showdown opens the alpine resort's gravity mountain bike racing calendar on Saturday 12 December 2026 in Thredbo, New South Wales. Dropping through the outer edges of the Thredbo Mountain Bike Park before steering riders back into the Valley Terminal base, the Sidewinder course delivers a fast-flowing mix of banked berms, sweeping turns, and open sprint sections.

As the opening round of the four-part Thredbo Gravity Series, the Sidewinder Showdown sets the tone for a summer of accessible, grassroots gravity racing. The series draws hundreds of riders each season to the Snowy Mountains, operating as an inclusive arena where up-and-coming racers can line up alongside seasoned downhillers. Accumulating points across the four rounds gives competitors a shot at a piece of the overall $50,000 cash and prize pool.

The Sidewinder track is designed to test cornering efficiency and momentum retention rather than extreme technical threshold, making it one of the most versatile courses on the mountain. Racers receive dedicated morning practice blocks to dial in lines before setting off on official timed race runs. Once timing chips stop ticking, the atmosphere shifts directly to the Keller Bar and Pub Deck for afternoon presentations and post-race banter.

Set against the high-country backdrop of Monaro and Ngarigo Country, the event combines structured lift-accessed downhill competition with a relaxed community atmosphere. Whether chasing series points or getting a first taste of timing transponders on an alpine course, riders get a genuine mountain bike race experience backed by professional timing and resort infrastructure.