Australia’s emerging mountain bike talent will take centre stage this January, as AusCycling hosts a national development camp at the Australian Institute of Sport — the first camp to be led by incoming National MTB XCO Coach, Rob Holmgren.
Held from January 9–15, 2026 in Canberra, the camp brings together the country’s leading U17 and uncategorised U19 athletes, selected through top performances at the 2025 National Championships and National Series events. The program marks a significant step forward in AusCycling’s long-term vision to build a clear, consistent and world-class mountain bike pathway.
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Holmgren, who relocates to Australia on January 4, will lead the camp as the foundation of a year-round development model designed to support athletes both on and off the bike.
“This camp is about setting the standard for how we develop mountain bikers in Australia,” Holmgren said.
“We’re focused on giving athletes the tools, knowledge and support they need to train with purpose, compete with confidence and progress sustainably through the pathway.”
Athletes will take part in a comprehensive curriculum that combines on-bike technical and race development with off-bike education, including training and competition practices, planning principles, mental performance, nutrition, recovery and specialist topics essential for high-performance progression.
The AIS environment provides a unique opportunity for young athletes to experience elite-level preparation, while connecting with national coaching leadership and like-minded peers from across the country.
“This camp signals the start of a new era for our MTB program,” said AusCycling Director of Pathways Donna Rae-Szalinski.
“Rob’s arrival and the delivery of structured, national development opportunities like this are critical to building a strong, aligned and future-focused pathway for our athletes.”
Further camps and initiatives will roll out throughout 2026 as AusCycling continues to invest in the next generation of Australian mountain bikers.
Athletes to attend AIS Camp
- Charli Edwick, QLD
- Alayla Schmid, WA
- Sylvia Dagg, NSW
- Sienna O’Higgins, ACT
- Anice Unthank, QLD
- Amaya Shaw, NSW
- Alana Fletcher, VIC
- Evan Hawkes, SA
- Corey Larson, VIC
- Callum Roberts, ACT
- Hamish Retchford, VIC
- Jackson Billings, VIC
- Michael Straffon, ACT
- Beau Mullins, QLD
- Austin Trotter, QLD
- Jett Stokes, NSW
- Benjamin Shaw, NSW
- Travis Wardle, WA
- Levi Billings, VIC
- Jock Barwick, NSW
- Oscar Menzies, QLD