Jul 16th 2026

Your Essential Guide to the Strider Cup World Championship

Ready, set… Plan! Here’s everything you need to know to make sure your family has an unforgettable time at the 2026 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) will consist of sprint races (balance mode only, NO PEDALS allowed) for 12” and 14” Strider bikes! We’ll hold races for 2-year-olds (and under), 3-year-olds, and 4-year-olds on 12” Strider bikes, and 3-year-olds and 4-year olds on the Strider 14x, with all races being completed in balance mode only. We're also indluding an Open Race, which will be a sprint race in balance mode where 4- and 5-year-olds compete in heat and main races to see who will cross the finish line first. Racers can choose to ride a 12” Strider or a Strider 14x without pedals. This will be an open race where both 4- and 5-year-olds race against each other.

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 and preschoolers 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.

And, because it’s our BIG 15th anniversary of the Strider Cup World Championship, plan to join us for the usual race-day fun, plus a celebration on the beach the next day!

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 Sarasota. Dress yourself and your family in layers so you can easily shed some clothes if it is hot and add them back on if rain sweeps in. 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 Sarasota?

Besides attending this incredible event, there’s no shortage of fun-tastic things to do in this part of Florida. While you’re in beautiful Sarasota, you should plan to experience some of these unforgettable family-friendly sites.

Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium: This exceptional aquarium features immersive marine habitats that showcase the creatures of Florida’s iconic coastal waters, and many other aquatic species from across the globe. You’ll see reef life, sharks, and fish, with a peek at the STEM Teaching Labs that highlight the future of ocean science.
The Ringling Museum: The Ringling Museum features a wide variety of exhibits and activities, with the Circus Museum being a favorite for kids and families. The Bayfront Gardens also welcome little adventurers, with 66 acres of plants, trees, and trails to explore.
Sarasota Jungle Gardens: Since 1939, Sarasota Jungle Gardens has helped families and kids experience nature through up-close encounters. With 10 acres of jungle trails, visitors encounter over 200 native and exotic animals, from birds of prey to reptiles to primates. Flamingos wander the grounds, and animal shows throughout the day help kids learn about the creatures that share our world with us.

Join Us!

Once upon a time, we held the very first Strider Cup World Championship in Sarasota, Florida. This October marks our 15th anniversary of that race! To celebrate this milestone, we’re taking it back to where it all began for the 2026 Strider Cup World Championship.

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.