By Mike Rowbottom

will longden_08-12-11December 13 - British downhill mountain biking has received a major boost from British Cycling with the news that Will Longden (pictured), the four-times British mountain bike champion, has been appointed downhill coordinator as part of an increase in resources being provided to target further success beyond London 2012.


Longden will also provide additional support to the existing cross country and cyclo-cross programmes.

The overall plan is to provide an integrated off-road development programme for 2013-2017 encompassing the cross country, downhill, four cross and cyclo-cross disciplines.

The increase in resources will allow for more budget to be allocated to downhill training and competition, plus an increase in downhill riders on the Athlete Medical Scheme.

Tracy Moseley, the 2011 World Cup champion who has been involved in the project from the outset and has benefited from the support of British Cycling over the past two years said: "The British downhillers have consistently enjoyed success over the years at World Championship level so it's very exciting to see British Cycling get involved in the discipline and to receive more support from them.

"The downhill discipline can only benefit from the knowledge, experience and training methods British Cycling has successfully proven across the cycling disciplines and this is a real boost for riders and the future of the sport in our country."

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