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New Mentoring Program Aims to Strengthen Women+ in Mountain Biking

28 April 2026

New Mentoring Program Aims to Strengthen Women+ in Mountain Biking

Women in Mountain Biking Network Launches Mentoring Program to Elevate Women+ Across the MTB Sector

 

The Women in Mountain Biking Network (WiMTB), an initiative of IMBA Europe, is proud to announce the launch of the Women in Mountain Biking Mentoring Program – a community-driven initiative designed to support, empower, and retain women+ working and volunteering across the mountain biking sector, with initial focus on trail building and advocacy, guiding and coaching.

This program is a direct response to the needs expressed by women+ within the community. During the WiMTB Network’s launch at the IMBA Europe Summit in June 2024, participants were asked what they most wanted to see from the network. A mentoring program quickly emerged as a top priority. The message was clear: women+ in mountain biking want connection, guidance, and a visible pathway to shape their futures in the activity they love.

“We’re really excited to launch the WiMTB mentoring program, to open up opportunities for more women+ to develop and progress through their chosen pathway in mountain biking – bringing valuable perspectives to the sector – with support from experienced mentors who’ve been there before. There are already so many incredible women+ doing inspiring work across the industry, and this program is about connecting with that knowledge, learning from it, and helping the next generation build on those achievements.”

– Manon Carpenter (WiMTB Network coordinator, board member IMBA Europe, former DH World Champion)

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Why Mentoring, and Why Now?

 

Women+ remain underrepresented across the mountain bike ecosystem – from trail associations and trail crews, to guiding, advocacy, tourism, academia, industry, media, and leadership roles. Many find themselves as “the only one” in their organisation or team, which can make otherwise enjoyable work feel more challenging or isolating at times, with limited access to women+ colleagues, mentors, or support networks. Despite progress, this lack of visibility and connection continues to impact confidence, career development, and long-term retention.

At the same time, there is a growing community of highly skilled and experienced women+ already contributing across all areas of mountain biking. The WiMTB Mentoring Program is designed to bridge that gap, making these role models more visible and accessible and ensuring their knowledge and experience can support others entering or progressing within the sector.

The WiMTB Mentoring program has been designed to directly address these challenges. Inspired by the successful efforts of the Uplift Women’s Industry Program, WiMTB will match mentees with experienced mentors who can provide:

  • One-on-one guidance
  • Professional insights
  • Career and leadership support
  • Confidence-building and skills development

By creating structured opportunities for knowledge sharing, guidance, and connection, this program aims to strengthen women+’s contributions, resilience, and visibility across mountain biking.

Program Focus Areas for Year One

 

The program launches with two dedicated mentorship tracks, reflecting areas of particular need and opportunity within the sector in Europe:

  • Trail Building & Advocacy:
  • supporting women+ pursuing or developing careers in trail design, construction, crew leadership, and advocacy.
  • Guiding & Coaching:
  • connecting women+ in guiding and coaching roles with experienced mentors to build skills, confidence, and professional networks.

Additional tracks will be developed over time based on community needs and feedback.

Our 2026 Mentors

For this first edition of the WiMTB mentoring program, our mentors are coming from different countries across Europe, with a range of expertise and languages available for mentoring.

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Trail building and advocacy:

  • Alison Campbell – Owner of Campbell Coaching and Trail Logic. Wales, UK. Language: English.
  • Cathy Naveaux – BikeSolutions and independent. France. Languages: French, English.
  • Sonja Schreiter – Advocacy & Infrastructure Officer at DIMB, the German Initiative for Mountain Biking. Germany. Language: German preferred (also English).

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Guiding and coaching:

  • Aisling Cullen – Coach at TrailBikeBody MTB Coaching. Ireland. Language: English.
  • Eveline Elsinga – Founder & Impact Lead, Dutch Girls On Wheels. Netherlands. Languages: Dutch, English.
  • Katherine Goodey – Founder of RideHigh MTB. Wales, UK. Language: English.

How to Apply?

 

If you know somebody who you think would be a great mentee for this program, make sure they know about it! We are looking forward to connecting with up-and-coming change makers in the mountain bike world.

To ask any questions or for more information, reach out to Loren.

To apply as a mentee, please use the link below by Sunday, 17th May.

Apply here!

Press Contact:

Loren Rowney

Communications and Project Coordinator at IMBA Europe, WiMTB Network coordinator

Email: loren.rowney@imba-europe.com

Website: https://www.imba-europe.org/women-in-mountain-biking/

Social: @wimtb_network

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Notes to Editors:

Definition of women+: The FIAS Framework uses ‘women+’ to extend beyond biological sex and include individuals who are underrepresented or face gender-based marginalization.

About Women in Mountain Biking (WiMTB)

Women in Mountain Biking (WiMTB) is an IMBA Europe network dedicated to connecting, supporting, and amplifying women+ across the mountain biking sector.

We work to strengthen the position of women+ as essential experts shaping the future of the sport, promoting equity, visibility, and representation from trail to boardroom. Through community-building, advocacy, mentoring, and storytelling, WiMTB fosters leadership opportunities and shares inclusive practices across the sector.

Together, we are building a thriving and equitable mountain biking community where women+ are recognised, valued, and visible.

About IMBA Europe

IMBA Europe is the European arm of the International Mountain Bicycling Association, dedicated to protecting and expanding access to sustainable trails for mountain biking. Working at European, national, and local levels with our membership, IMBA Europe supports advocacy, education, and research to ensure mountain biking remains environmentally responsible, socially inclusive, and economically beneficial.

To learn more about IMBA Europe and its initiatives, visit the IMBA Europe website.

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