Nino Schurter and Kohei Yamamoto scheduled for Hong Kong MTB weekend this December

Mountain bikers looking ahead to December have a Hong Kong event to put on their radar. AKKI Bike Park / AKKI MTB Group plans to host Ride Asia with Nino & Kohei on Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 December 2026, with Nino Schurter and Kohei Yamamoto scheduled to join the programme.

According to the organiser’s media kit, the weekend will combine an open cross-country mountain-bike race, a limited practice ride, children’s activities and a Sunday Fan Ride. Asia Union TCS Racing Team supports international coordination, guest liaison and outreach to riding communities across Asia.

For Filipino riders interested in attending, there are options to race, join a ride if eligible, or watch Saturday’s activities. Guest participation and the programme remain subject to final arrangements.

Nino Schurter riding at Lenzerheide, Switzerland, in 2025. Photo: Piper Albrecht. Not a photograph of the December 2026 event.    

Two experienced riders, a community focus

The supplied rider profiles describe Schurter as a ten-time men’s Elite XCO world champion and the Rio 2016 Olympic gold medallist, with Olympic silver from London 2012 and bronze from Beijing 2008. Following his retirement from cross-country World Cup racing in 2025, he is scheduled to take part in this event’s practice ride, Fan Ride and fan activities.

Yamamoto represented Japan at four consecutive Olympic Games: Beijing 2008, London 2012, Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020. Through Asia Union TCS Racing Team, he works with rider development and MTB communities across Asia. He is both a featured rider and involved in coordinating the event.

The organisers aim to bring international racing experience into a local setting where young racers, experienced riders, families and spectators can engage with the sport.

Kohei Yamamoto jumping on a woodland MTB course in 2026. Photo: Satoshi ODA.    

Saturday: XCO racing and fan activities

Saturday’s programme at AKKI Bike Park begins with participant check-in at 7:30 am. A limited practice ride with the guests is provisionally scheduled for 8:00–8:30 am, ahead of the opening ceremony and racing.

The practice ride is planned for up to 40 registered XCO riders and requires intermediate or higher MTB experience. It is intended for course familiarisation rather than a skills clinic.

Saturday spectating and the children’s programme are free. Families should check the final guidance for capacity and participation requirements.

Signing is restricted to purchased official event merchandise and merchandise included in the VIP Welcome Kit. Personal items are not eligible for signing under the announced arrangements.

The XCO event is a local open race, not a UCI-sanctioned competition. A full competitive race appearance by either guest is not guaranteed.  

Sunday: Fan Ride and community time

Sunday’s Fan Ride is planned for approximately 60 riders in total, including 40 public places, with participants divided into groups of around 20.

The ride requires intermediate or higher MTB experience. Although both guests are scheduled to join the programme, participants are not guaranteed to ride in the same group as Nino or Kohei.  
 

The detailed Fan Ride route will not be published. Registered participants will receive the information they need; unregistered riders and spectators should not attempt to join the route.    

Registration and fees

The organiser lists registration dates of 7 October to 30 November 2026, closing at 11:59 pm Hong Kong time on 30 November. Availability and participation conditions should be checked on the official registration page.

Payment is in Hong Kong dollars, and no combined Day 1 and Day 2 discount applies.  

What foreign riders should check before making plans

Riders considering travelling from another country should confirm entry availability, their eligibility for the riding activities and the latest guest arrangements before committing to travel. Beginners can consider Saturday spectating, while checking with the organiser about eligibility for other activities.

Public transport guidance, parking information and the event entrance and check-in location will be announced separately. All listed programme times are provisional and in Hong Kong time (UTC+8). Weather, trail conditions, safety considerations and guest schedules may change the programme.

For registration and updates, visit the official Ride Asia with Nino & Kohei website .

Event enquiries can be directed to info@akkibikepark.com or +852 9020 5724.  

Source: organiser-supplied press release and media kit, edited 3 October 2026 and scheduled for release on 7 October 2026.