Understanding the Transition in MTB Coaching: From PMBIA to GSMBC

Jul 7

Written By GSMBC

Published: June 2025

In 2025, the mountain biking coaching community experienced a significant transition with the departure of key leadership and technical staff from the Professional Mountain Bike Instructors Association (PMBIA). This development has given rise to a new coaching body, the Global Syndicate of Mountain Bike Coaches (GSMBC), spearheaded by the very individuals who helped establish PMBIA as a global standard in MTB instruction.

A Legacy of Excellence

PMBIA has played a crucial role in shaping the landscape of mountain bike coaching for over a decade. With a curriculum built on foundational skills, progression, and rider-centered methodology, PMBIA's certifications became widely recognized and respected worldwide. Resorts, bike parks, clubs, and independent instructors often cited PMBIA credentials as the benchmark for MTB instructor training.

The Transition

In early 2025, several of PMBIA's most influential contributors—including founders, course conductors, curriculum developers, and the technical director—announced their departure from the organization. These individuals were instrumental in creating PMBIA's coaching framework and maintaining its quality and consistency.

Rather than a fracture, this transition marks a natural evolution. The team came together to form GSMBC, an independent global organization with the goal of further innovating and modernizing MTB coaching while preserving the values that shaped their previous work.

The Emergence of GSMBC

The Global Syndicate of Mountain Bike Coaches was established as a fresh platform to carry forward the spirit and expertise that built PMBIA. GSMBC emphasizes:

Continuity of high-quality coaching principles
Inclusivity and collaboration across global coaching communities
A modernized approach to certification pathways

GSMBC also offers transition pathways for existing PMBIA-certified instructors, acknowledging prior learning and certification while encouraging continued professional development. For coaches who wish to follow the original PMBIA team and be part of the next evolution of mountain bike instruction, GSMBC was made for them.

What This Means for COACHES and BUSINESSES

For those in the mountain bike community, these changes provide more options and renewed energy in the coaching space. While PMBIA continues to operate, GSMBC introduces a fresh energy and vision for the future of mountain bike coach education with a modern, nimble organization to adapt and cater to the specific needs of clubs, coaching companies, bikes parks and organizations around the world. For coaches who wish to follow the founders and technical team behind PMBIA’s original curriculum, GSMBC represents the next phase in mountain bike coach education and certification.

As an independent organization, GSMBC is uniquely positioned to adapt course pricing, dates, and locations to better serve the needs of coaches, clubs, and bike businesses. This flexibility makes high-quality training more affordable and accessible than ever, while maintaining the industry-leading standards our team has built over years.

Looking Ahead

As the coaching world grows and diversifies, the shared goal remains clear: empowering mountain bikers of all levels with the skills and confidence to ride better, safer, and with more joy.

While the legacy of PMBIA continues, GSMBC charts an exciting new era and the next evolution for mountain bike instructors and coaches around the globe.

For more information on instructor pathways or how to transition credentials between organizations, visit GSMBC's entry from other cert’s page or contact GSMBC at info@gsmbc.pro