British Cycling has announced the signing of a delivery centre agreement which will see its new mountain bike leadership award delivered at Plas y Brenin, Sport England’s National Mountain Centre.

Following the launch of the award earlier this year, British Cycling has been working to develop the programme across the UK to ensure delivery targets are met in the months ahead.

Based in Snowdonia, Plas y Brenin has developed a reputation as one of the leading outdoor training centres within the UK, and brings significant mountain bike experience to the programme.

“As part of our ambition to increase participation, mountain bike leadership has become a key focus for the organisation, with the programme forming a significant part of the pathway for the recreational cyclist,” said John Mills, coaching, education and development director at British Cycling.

“As an organisation, we are extremely proud of the qualification and of our ability to inspire and educate coaches and leaders alike. Similarly, Plas y Brenin’s position as the National Mountain Centre is proof of the standing within their fields of expertise, so it really is great for mountain bike leadership to see the two parties come together through this agreement.”

British Cycling will continue to provide any necessary technical input and administration support to ensure the centre is positioned to effectively deliver high quality leadership courses.

The course covers technique, navigation, equipment and emergency management to ensure candidates have the assurance and the ability to lead others in unfamiliar terrain.

Rob Spencer, operations manager at Plas y Brenin, said: “Plas y Brenin has an international reputation for its coach education and leadership training expertise in mountaineering, climbing and canoe sports. The involvement of Plas y Brenin in the delivery of the new British Cycling programme is a natural development for the Sport England National Mountain Centre.

“This is an exciting development and timely given the recently developed trails as well as natural biking terrain in Snowdonia. The coaches and instructors at Plas y Brenin are looking forward to adding their expertise and experience to the programme as it develops.”

With the level two award now in place, work is underway on bringing levels one and three to fruition for 2013.

For further information on the new British Cycling mountain bike leadership award visit www.britishcycling.org.uk/mtbleadership or www.pyb.co.uk

What is the British Cycling mountain bike leadership award?