UK cycling bodies launch Europe-wide Association of Mountain Bike Guides Licence
18 May 2017
Cycling UK has joined forces with two leading mountain bike coaching organisations to boost the MTB guides industry across Europe.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 aim 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.”A new website for ABMG is currently being built and will be operational by the summer.