Ready, set… Plan! Here’s everything you need to know to make sure your family has an unforgettable time at the Strider Cup World Championship.
What is the Strider Cup World Championship?
The Strider Cup World Championship is the ultimate bike race for kids aged 2 to 6 years old! These highly anticipated races are top-tier international events where pre-k kids can showcase their skills on a balance bike, compete with other racers from around the world, and experience a moment on an international stage with hundreds of supportive spectators cheering them on.
This event (exclusive to Strider Balance Bikes) has two types of races that your kids can participate in. The first style, Sprint Races, will have the most racers and is the easier of the two for beginners to race in. Sprint Races are also only for bikes in balance mode (no pedals) and kids aged 2- to 4-years-old.
The second style of race will be Adventure-Cross Stage Races, which are only for 14x Balance Bikes; a model that typically fits 3- to 6-year-olds best! Adventure-Cross will happen in three stages: Running, Balance Mode, and Pedal Mode. In this event, kids will be able to test a wide variety of skills as they circle the track three times — once on foot, once in balance mode on their 14X bike, and finally one lap with pedals on their bike. Please note that a parent or guardian must participate as “pit crew” to help put pedals on between laps!
Who is Coming and Why?
Everyone is invited to the World Championship! The only thing our attendees need to qualify (aside from being the proper age, a Strider bike, and the right safety gear) is a passion for adventure. Strider Cup events give Strider riders from all around the world a time and place to gather and celebrate all the life-changing parts of biking.
These races are also top-tier events that let young kids showcase their skills across the USA and worldwide. Kids of all backgrounds will be there to experience the thrill of competition for all skill levels — but most importantly, Strider Cup events are full of fun!
After the races end and everyone takes their super rad swag bags, each child will go home with a renewed sense of joy for freedom, friendship, and fortitude.
What Can I Expect at This Event?
This event is the big one — the grandaddy of all Strider Cup races. You can expect to see hundreds of toddlers, preschoolers, and kindergarten-age kiddos ready to race! The kids in attendance will have varying skill levels ranging from beginner to pro and will come from many different countries.
But all this doesn’t mean there will be total chaos! Team Strider will organize everyone into carefully scheduled heats that will give every rider a chance to do their best and make their way to the top. That means there will be plenty of space for you and your family to cheer your hearts out, but also time and places to take a break from the action when you need to.
There will be races all day long (except for a lunch break and open track times) so you can encourage other Strider riders and watch all the action take place; however, there’s also plenty of other activities taking place besides the main event. We encourage you to sample local food trucks, shop from vendors, create your own cheer gear, and make friends while you walk around.
What Will I Need to Bring?
When you’re packing for a big family trip, something is bound to get left behind — but hopefully this handy list can help! Here are some of the essential items you’ll need to pack to have an unforgettable and fun-filled time at the Strider Cup World Championship.
Protective Gear: Because this event will happen throughout the day, we recommend being prepared for a variety of weather in Salt Lake City. Dress yourself and your family in layers so you can easily shed some clothes if it is hot and add them back on if the temperature dips. The sun can still be intense in September, so we recommend also bringing hats, sunglasses, and sunblock. These essentials will help you stay cool, make sure you don’t miss any of the race action, and help keep sunburns away!
Don’t forget to also pack your racer’s helmet and close-toed shoes as these items are required to compete. We also recommend bringing elbow and knee pads and racing gloves just in case of wipeouts on the track.
- Electronics and Accessories: We know you don’t want to miss your chance to preserve these incredible moments for your family! Remember to bring chargers and batteries for your phones and cameras so you can capture the moment your little champ proudly dashes across the finish line.
- Fuel & Hydration: Be sure to load up on snacks and plenty of water to keep everyone (grown-ups included) content throughout all the World Championship excitement! Although your rider’s swag bag will have a few awesome snacks from our sponsors and we will have some tasty food trucks in attendance, it’s always a good idea to keep some quick nourishment handy.
- Cheerleading Supplies: Make sure your rider hears you cheering them on by bringing plenty of fanfare with you. If there’s room in your luggage, bring along cowbells, posters, pompoms, face paint and more! If your suitcase is bursting at the seams, don’t worry — our on-site Strider Cheer Station will be fully stocked with supplies so you can create your own sign, grab some cheer gear, and show just how excited you are for your little super star.
What Else Can My Family Do in Salt Lake City?
Besides attending this incredible event, there’s no shortage of fun-tastic things to do in this part of Utah. While you’re in beautiful Salt Lake City, you should plan to experience some of these unforgettable family-friendly sites.
Utah’s Hogle Zoo
This exceptional zoo stretches across over 42 acres of natural hillside terrain and has over 800 animals and 139 species in its care. Your family will love exploring the exhibits to learn about polar bears, primates, big cats, elephants, giraffes, and more exciting animals!
Natural History Museum
The Natural History Museum of Utah allows your family to cool off while you view a breathtaking collection of gems and minerals, dinosaur remains, artifacts from first peoples, tribal history, and more. Here, your kiddo can study the past and learn about the fascinating natural world around them.
Loveland Living Planet Aquarium
Dive into more animal fun by discovering more than 4,000 animals at this spectacular aquarium! Just minutes from downtown Salt Lake City, this world-class aquarium features a 300,000-gallon shark habitat and four more impressive animal habitats with penguins, otters, sloths, and tons of other critters that will wow your toddler.
Outdoor Adventures Near Salt Lake City
Bob's Basin
Located just 30 minutes from the Gallivan Center, this trail system in Park City is a fun stop for beginners who want a taste of mountain biking. Just choose the trials that fit your ability level and schedule and have some fun testing your skills!
Draper Cycle Park
This park has something for riders of all ages and abilities. Let your little ones tire themselves out on the beginner pump track and jump loop or sit back and watch some of the local pros take on big jumps and challenging flow trails.
Utah Olympic Park
Experience Olympic history and thrilling outdoor adventure at the Utah Olympic Park! Here, you and your family can zipline, go downhill tubing, climb through rope courses, and jump on airbags.
Antelope Island State Park
This remarkable island is a must-see for visitors! Over 500 of one of America’s most iconic animals — bison — roam free on this 28,022-acre piece of land in the Great Salt Lake. Take a leisurely drive through the park to appreciate its stunning natural beauty or stop to stretch your legs on the 25 miles of trails.
Join Us!
Strider Cup events are held around the world, but we’re thrilled to bring back the 2025 World Championship to the USA! We can’t wait to host you and your family in Salt Lake City for an unforgettable event.
We hope you will join us in honoring our dedicated Strider riders at this one-of-a-kind international event. We’re excited to see hundreds of kiddos give it their all and make lifelong connections with bike enthusiasts from all walks of life.
