UK cycling bodies launch Europe-wide Association of Mountain Bike Guides Licence
Cycling UK, Mountain Bike Coaching UK (MBCUK) and the Mountain-Bike Instructors Award Scheme (MIAS) are pleased to announce the launch of a new qualification in Mountain Bike Leadership, under the banner of the Association of British Mountainbike Guides (ABMG).
Setting high standards for the entry criteria, this new accrediting body, which has officially joined the European Organisation of Mountain Bike Instructor-Guides (EO-MTBInG), supports mountain biking leaders in the UK by adding more credibility and authority to the leaders’ training and assessment process.
The accreditation also aims to boost consumer confidence so that MTB riders have even greater peace of mind when booking a mountain biking trip in Europe.
The newly-formed ABMG is an inclusive and open organisation which welcomes individuals and other organisations that meet the entry requirements set out in the group’s constitution.
Cycling UK’s Training Manager, Matt Woodcock, said: “This exciting new venture will give a real boost to mountain bike leaders who are keen to train and qualify through this new pathway. Becoming a licensed European Mountain Bike Guide and proud member of ABMG will soon become a badge of honour in the industry.”
Officially signing up to EO-MTBInG, ABMG joins seven other countries in Europe with the goal of delivering an internationally-recognised Professional European Standard in MTB instructing and guiding, and with the aim of this new European Standard to become fully operational in 2017.
Matt Woodcock continued: “Cycling UK’s aim for this new association is to promote and support mountain bike leaders in Britain with an award that promotes parity with all international mountain bike awards, so that the industry is better recognised as a credible expert in running exhilarating and safe MTB holidays and tours.”
Notes to editors
- Cycling UK, the national cycling charity, inspires and helps people to cycle and keep cycling, whatever kind of cycling they do or would like to do. Over a century’s experience tells us that cycling is more than useful transport; it makes you feel good, gives you a sense of freedom and creates a better environment for everyone. www.cyclinguk.org
- The Mountain Bike Coaching UK (MBCUK) awards scheme exists to improve mountain bikers’ awareness of the knowledge and skills required to coach and lead on bikes with optimum safety education and comfort. Find out more at http://mountainbikecoaching.com.
- Established in 1989, The Mountain-Bike Instructors Award Scheme (MIAS) offers a range of courses for prospective and current cycling MTB leaders. For more information visit http://mountainbikeinstructor.com.
- The new Association of British Mountainbike Guides (ABMG) Award has been developed in association with the European Organisation of Mountain Bike Instructor-Guides (EO-MTBInG). More Information on the award and the accreditation process will be available at http://www.a-bmg.co.uk/ in the summer.
- The European Organisation of Mountain Bike Instructor-Guides (EO-MTBInG) pools the skills, knowledge and experience from leading MTB training organisations across Europe to create the world’s foremost source of expertise on the subject of MTB instructor-guiding. The UK joins France, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Slovenia and Switzerland in this growing group of MTB instructor bodies. To find out more visit http://eo-mtbing.eu/.
Press contact information
Cycling UK Press Office
Email: publicity@cyclinguk.org
Telephone: 0844-736-8453
