Onward MTB owner and head coach Rory Bingham is launching the Onward Development Team, in which four riders aged 12 to 16 will receive on-bike coaching and gym training from next month until January.
It’s designed for riders wanting to prepare for national and international competition, or those simply wanting to "elevate their skills and enjoyment of the sport", Bingham says.
"Queenstown’s full of promising young riders, but there’s been a gap in consistent, structured coaching that bridges the jump between riding for fun and taking it to the next step."
It’ll provide coaching tailored to each rider, race preparation strategies, equipment optimisation and an introduction to the mental side of riding.
"We’re creating a pathway that’s been missing, a place where riders can grow, be challenged, and build the mindset and skills they need to succeed within MTB."
Applications close this coming Monday, although he’s already had a strong response.
The programme will start on September 9 with gym training, overseen by The Mill coach Jacob McVeigh, focused on age-appropriate training habits and techniques.
The on-bike component starts in October, with two or three sessions a week.
