Event will celebrate country's global standing in mountain biking
Scotland’s global standing in mountain biking will be celebrated later this year at the third annual Scottish Mountain Bike Awards.
Hosted by the Mountain Bike Centre of Scotland (MTBCoS) and Developing Mountain Biking in Scotland (DMBinS), the event will be held at the Scottish Mountain Bike Conference 2018 – Future Proofing the Trail Ahead, in Aviemore on Friday 23 November 2018.
In the past two years, the Scottish Mountain Bike Awards has grown from the first event held in Aviemore, which attracted over 150 guests to the sold out event in 2017 hosted at the Drygate Brewery in Glasgow.
Scotland is widely recognised as a global leader in mountain biking and with the Scottish Mountain Bike Awards, there is the chance to highlight and celebrate all those that contribute towards making mountain biking world class.
The awards are free to enter and include categories to cover all areas of the sport including tourism, clubs, riders, accommodation providers, product manufacturers and community groups. They act as a chance to highlight and celebrate all those that contribute towards making mountain biking world class.
Edinburgh Napier University’s Professor Geraint Florida-James, lead academic of the MTBCOS, Said: “We are delighted to again host these awards to recognise all the great work and expertise going into developing the mountain bike industry. The work that we do at the MTBCOS supports companies who are developing innovative cycling products and services and this will be a great opportunity to recognise the talent we have on our doorstep.”
The awards will highlight the work of the MTBCOS, businesses and entrepreneurs in Scotland who have the opportunity to develop their ideas into fully formed cycling products.
Business development executive for MTBCoS, Danny Cowe, said: “We work with companies who either have an original idea for a new business or have a product or service which could be adapted for the mountain bike market. We meet them early in their product development lifecycle and advise them of the support available to them in Scotland. Many businesses we meet have great innovative ideas but lack an element, either in their knowledge of the product or the sector, which prevents them getting their product to market. To help them overcome that barrier we can link them with Scottish universities where their expertise will be able to help them develop their product. We also link and advise businesses on the best approach to maximise the benefits of working with Business Gateway and Scottish Enterprise.
“We see these awards as another method of highlighting the great progress of Scottish companies and celebrating the fantastic scene in Scotland.”
The awards will also encompass mountain biking tourism, participation and sport development. Categories include Best Bike Friendly Accommodation Provider, Scottish MTB Tour Operator, Coach, Guide or Skills Instructor, Scottish MTB Club of the Year and more.
Graeme McLean, project manager of Developing Mountain Biking in Scotland (DMBinS), said: “Mountain biking brings increased participation – helping us to become a happier and healthier country, sport development - giving Scot’s the opportunity to succeed on the world stage and tourism – which brings economic benefit, often to some of our more remote areas.
“These awards will highlight and celebrate examples of great practice in these three areas which will help Scotland maintain our reputation as one of the leading countries in the world for mountain biking.”
There will also be a public vote to choose the top Scottish mountain bike riders of the year and the Scottish Event of the year.
The awards will be presented by a host of inspiring individuals who have each contributed to the Scottish Mountain bike scene.
Tickets and award nominations are available here.