April 26, 2013 – As of today the sport of mountainbiking finally has a worldwide, overarching interest group where all disciplines within the MTB-sport are being heard. The Mountainbike Sport Organization (MTBSO) aims to be a home for everyone active in this sport and claims to satisfy a larger and larger growing need.

The trigger for the founding was the growing resentment amongst bikers about the general behavior and increasingly stricter regulations of the world cycling union UCI. The well-known last drop was the decision that UCI-riders as of next season are no longer permitted to compete in non-UCI sanctioned events. We don’t have to put up with this, according to founder, passionate mountainbiker and professional within the mountainbike-industry Maarten Essers. “Lots of bikers who race in the Crosscountry or Downhill competitions like to compete in Enduro races or other events as well. They do so for training or pleasure. Disciplines like for example Enduro are not sanctioned by the UCI, which takes away a lot of freedom from these riders. We interpret this rule as an attempt from the UCI to gain more income. Events, who do want to attract high profile riders, are herewith somehow forced to join the UCI in order to get these riders. And of course there are costs involved to get your event sanctioned by the UCI. It needs little explanation that the independence seeking mountainbikers find themselves robbed of a big chuck of their freedom and pleasure.”

The MTBSO, according to Essers, is not founded to rebel against the established order. “Most certainly not. We want to offer an alternative. We are a non-profit organization with sole intend to support mountainbiking and help develop it where we can. That is our mission. The sport of mountainbiking has grown explosively the past few decades and definitely deserves an organization of its own. A collective group with room for each discipline so to say. We welcome all local and international organizations to our table so we can act together on behalf of all mountainbikers.”

The MTBSO was founded in the Netherlands, nevertheless the organization has spread its wings instantly. “At first through Facebook”, continues Essers. “The plans were there, but before you finalize them, it’s always a good thing to start a dialogue with your target group. Our Facebook page (MTBSO) generated over 3.000 likes within the first 3 weeks and I take that as a serious statement from our followers. But it wouldn’t be sufficient to only base the need for the MTBSO on Facebook popularity. In the meantime we have built up contacts with some big names in the mountainbiking industry. Everyone confirms the need for an organization like this, next to Europe we are getting support from Australia all they way to North and South America and the peaks of the Himalaya. For that reason our website is available in multiple languages.

At first the MTBSO will concentrate on supporting the sport and aiding other organizers of races and events. Individuals and/or groups who want to be actively involved within their local community can turn to us. Membership will offer, amongst other things, 10 percent discount on bike park access, MTB travels and clinics. “The amount of influence we can have on our sport is also depending on the number of members and sponsors. All revenues will flow directly back into the sport. Support can be offered in many different ways. We will supply an ‘open source’ service for race and event organizers. They can get ready-to-use scripts and information that will lead to a worldwide knowledge-base and exchange. In specific cases we are also offering financial support. In all we do the wants and needs of mountainbikers is leading. The membership card, for example, will also contain emergency contact, blood type and medical information, which can be crucial after a crash.

Next to this we will support, and later on (co-) organize, competitions and work on an international ranking system. All relevant events can also be placed on our global calendar by the event organizers. Needless to say that there will be more to come, but for that we have to ask for your patience. The most important thing is that we are here now. We support our sport!”

For more information click HERE.