Four-time British champion Will Longden has been appointed as downhill co-ordinator after British Cycling announced an increase in the amount of resources dedicated to mountain biking.

The move will act as a stepping stone for a more integrated off-road development programme for 2013-2017 encompassing the cross-country, downhill, four-cross and cyclo-cross disciplines, according to British Cycling.

Longden will will also provide additional support to British Cycling’s existing cross-country and cyclo-cross programmes, while more budget will be allocated to downhill training and competition, with an increase in downhill riders on the athlete medical scheme.

The news follows a remarkable period of success for British downhill mountain bikers, with Danny Hart crowned 2011 world champion, while Tracy Moseley won the women’s title in 2010.

“The British downhillers have consistently enjoyed success over the years at World Championship level so it’s very exciting to see British Cycling get involved in the discipline and to receive more support from them,” said Moseley, who also won this year’s women’s World Cup series.

“The downhill discipline can only benefit from the knowledge, experience and training methods British Cycling has successfully proven across the cycling disciplines and this is a real boost for riders and the future of the sport in our country.”