Mountain Bike

2026

Applications for the 2026 intake are now CLOSED

To be notified when the next intake opens, click here to register your interest

This program is proudly supported by AusCycling. The HAS Mountain Bike programs provide recognition and motivation to identified emerging talented athletes in AusCycling age groups U15s, U17 & U19 Categories with a stated goal to achieve state team representation.

Athletes can specialise in two offered disciplines. Each work to slightly varied schedules with a specialist coach.

Gravity Enduro (GE)

Cross Country (XCO)

Please understand that our HAS programs require both a high level of fitness and skill. This Program will work on both of these facets with a good mix of skills training and fitness sessions. This program is designed to assist the individuals athlete development so they can progress in there sport and maintain strong focus on providing greater skill development.

Athlete Benefits

The following benefits will apply to those selected for the program:

Specialist Training Sessions to Further Develop Skills
Access to a Network of Specialised Coaches
Athlete Education in Topics such as Nutrition, Sports Psychology, Motivation, Leadership and Load Management
Strength and Conditioning Coaching and Program
Planning and support for targeted events
Your Local Club Academy Games Tournament (Selected Athletes Only)
Access to recommended HAS providers such as Physiotherapy & Podiatry
HAS Merchandise

Eligibility

Athletes must be eligible in the following AusCycling Age groups: U15s, U17 & U19 age category in 2026 (Born in years 2007 – 2012 inclusive).
Reside within the Hunter Region
Attend School within the Hunter Region
Registered with a Local Club/Association and a current financial member of AusCycling

Selection Process

The following selection criteria may be taken into consideration during the selection process:

Performance and results at specific recent events
Physical attributes and capabilities
Potential to improve
Competitive ability
Individual application
Coachability and behaviour

In the above nomination link please add the following information under “Sporting Information” section (NB you may need to add more info to the headings that currently exist on the form when you complete it). You may be asked for this further information if it is not captured at the time of nomination for further assessment in athlete selections.

How long you have been riding MTB/racing
Best 5 or more race results from Jan 2025
How many hours a week you currently train and what kind of training are you doing?
Current Coach and training plan outline
Goals for the Season and what races will you be racing
Do you plan to travel to the National Championships?

Program Staff

Head Coach Cross Country (XCO): Jason English

Jason English is a Level 2 UCI Mountain Bike Coach and has been coaching for 15 years, and is a coach trainer and mentor with AusCycling. Jason English is a renowned figure in the world of endurance mountain biking, celebrated for his remarkable achievements and dedication to the sport. Jason has dominated the extreme discipline of solo 24-hour mountain bike racing for over a decade, both nationally and internationally, and was inducted into the MTB Australia Hall of Fame in 2020.

Head Coach Gravity Enduro (GE): Damien Enderby

With over 35 years of experience racing Mountain Bikes and more than 10 years as a professional coach, Damien offers a wealth of knowledge to help riders of all skill levels maximize their potential.
Having secured top-4 finishes at National Championships in the past four years across GE, DH, and XC disciplines, Damien has a deep understanding of what it takes to achieve individual goals in each of these disciplines.
Damien’s expertise lies in developing training programs that focus on both skill enhancement and fitness specific to each discipline, ensuring riders are fully equipped to reach their goals.