Crusher in the Tushar, one of American gravel cycling’s most celebrated and iconic events, has been cancelled for 2026 as the catastrophic Cottonwood Fire continues burning unchecked through Utah’s Tushar Mountains. The cancellation of the planned 11 July race marks the second time in three years the Life Time-owned event has been wiped from the calendar by wildfire.
Organisers announced the decision last Thursday, citing the fire’s ongoing impact on Beaver, Eagle Point, local emergency resources, and the surrounding community. The announcement carried particular weight, as this edition was scheduled to mark the race’s 15th anniversary.
The scale of the disaster dwarfs previous wildfire threats to the event. Described as “end-of-days-type stuff” by Beaver Mayor Matt Robinson, the Cottonwood Fire had burned almost 100,000 acres as of Sunday 28 June and remained 0 percent contained.
The race’s summit finish is among the casualties. Eagle Point Resort, which serves as the Crusher finish line, suffered significant property losses in the blaze, with the resort’s owner confirming it would remain closed for a considerable time. Mandatory Level 3 evacuation orders remain in effect for Eagle Point, Merchant Valley, HiLo Estates, and Arrowhead Summer Homes.
As previously reported in these pages, last year more than 800 riders from 33 states battle temperatures as high as 95 degrees across the rugged Tushar terrain after the event returned following the 2024 wildfire cancellation. That comeback now appears to have been short-lived. The event’s future beyond 2026 remains uncertain.
Registered athletes have been contacted directly with the options available, and organisers pledged to share further details in the coming weeks on ways to support the affected Beaver community.
Photo Credit: Utah Fire
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