Coaching in Context – MTB: coach bigger skills
British Cycling's Coaching in Context – MTB XC module lets you coach advanced techniques such as pumping, bunny hops, drops and jumps.
In this guide
- What it is: The second module on British Cycling's coaching pathway, in MTB XC or Gravity.
- What you need first: Age 18 and Introduction to Coaching – Off-Road (some Level 2 or Club Coaches with discipline experience can apply directly, and Level 1 coaches who completed the RPEL course). You also need a minimum of 100 hours of independent coaching, ideally off-road, experience riding blue trails at a trail centre, a mountain bike with two brakes, and a helmet.
- What you'll learn: Coaching pumping, bunny hops, drop-offs, jumping, XC starts, berms, trail flow and carrying speed.
- How long it takes: An 8-week programme: e-learning, two virtual seminars, two practical development days, and coaching your own group of riders in between. You get a time-limited remit to complete the full Coach Award within 18 months.
- Cost: £415 for MTB XC, says British Cycling.
- What's next: Coach track: Mountain bike racing.
Now you're coaching the skills that make trails feel like flying.
MTB XC
This module suits coaches working with XC riders who ride and race at local, regional or national level. British Cycling recommends 1 to 6 riders for specific technique coaching, and a maximum of 8 per session.
You must hold a two-day outdoor first aid qualification for this module. To coach under British Cycling insurance, you also need a paid membership and current safeguarding.
British Cycling also runs a Gravity version of Coaching in Context, and its first aid page sets the same Two-Day Outdoor First Aid requirement for both.
Where it leads
Coaching in Context is the second of five modules in British Cycling's Coach Award. The others are Understanding your Domain, Unlocking Learning for Coaching and Experiential Learning. Coaches who already hold a Level 3 qualification can also take this module.
Source: Coaching in Context – MTB XC, Coaching in Context, Coach Framework and First Aid requirements, British Cycling, checked October 2026.
Governing body: British Cycling. It sets the UK safety standards and training awards for mountain biking, so it's the official place to find out more.
Typical prices, checked October 2026. The club or coach sets and bills the price.
The club map lists some of the UK clubs for this sport. It is a starting point, so check with the club before you travel. To have a coach found for you, use the enquiry form.
