GAP MTB launches new summer Mountain Biking Progression Camp format designed to give young riders more time to build skills and achieve measurable progression on the bike, run by The GAP MTB ( Mountain Biking) Club
Programme dates: Runs Fridays throughout the summer from June 12th - August 28th
Location: The GAP (Glencullen Adventure Park) Glencullen, Co.Dublin
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GAP MTB PROGRESSION SESSIONS FOR CHILDREN AND TEENAGERS – SUMMER 2026
Unlike traditional single-session camps, this new model runs as a structured programme over three sessions to help children and teenagers develop confidence and riding ability over time.
Said Matt Davy, Owner, Glencullen Adventure Park ( The GAP) "We wanted to create something that gives riders the opportunity to make genuine progress over the summer. Skills learned in one session can be revisited and built on in the next."
He continued "With world class riders like Rónán Dunne coming to the GAP since they were 14, we’ve seen first-hand what can happen when young riders are given the space, support and coaching to develop over time. As well as supporting our young Riders, we are delighted to work with Cycling Ireland on these Progression Sessions this Summer."
What’s new this year:
- First time running a 3-session progression format
- Riders attend 3 x 3-hour coaching sessions
- Total of 9 hours coaching
- Skills are developed progressively across sessions
- Coaches have more time to get to know each rider and build on previous learning
- Structured coaching rather than isolated one-off sessions
Programme dates:
Runs Fridays throughout the summer from June 12th - August 28th
Programme blocks:
June 12th, 19th, 26th - Ages 12+
July 3th, 10th, 17th - Ages 10–12
July 24th, 31st, August 7th - Ages 12+
August 14th, 21st, 28th - Ages 10–12
Groups available:
Beginner
Intermediate
Advanced
Session times:
Morning: 10am -1pm
Afternoon: 2pm- 5pm
Group sizes:
Beginner: 8 participants
Intermediate: 16 participants (2 Coaches)
Advanced: 8 participants
Price:
€170 per rider
Total coaching places:
256 places across the summer
Main benefits:
- Real skill progression rather than a one-off experience
- Builds confidence and bike handling skills
- Riders can develop at an appropriate pace
- Small group environments
- Age-specific groups
- Ability-based coaching
- Designed for riders who want to improve, not simply attend a camp
Skills covered:
- Bike control
- Body position
- Braking
- Cornering
- Trail awareness
- Confidence building
- Progression techniques appropriate to the rider's level
Bookings are now open through Eventmaster. The link can be found on The GAP website or Facebook/Instagram Social channels
Background / Why The GAP created this programme
Glencullen Adventure Park ( The GAP) based in Glencullen Co.Dublin is one of Ireland’s leading mountain biking parks, with over 35 downhill MTB Trails of various difficulty and skill level, as well as having the only Uplift service in Ireland, with 5 Uplift vans with trailers for easy access to the mountain trails. There is also a Skills Area, a pedal up track, and also a scenic walking trail up to the Giants Grave.
And of course onsite at The GAP we also have Grizzlys Café, Forest Kids and Adventures, and Tigh’N Alluis –the Outdoor Sauna Retreat – lots of fun in the Dublin Mountains!
Over the course of 2025, The GAP delivered more than 1,000 MTB coaching sessions and noticed a clear trend: although many lessons were advertised as one-off experiences, large numbers of children were rebooking into the following week.
The feedback was simple - they want to keep going.
This highlighted that riders weren’t just looking for a fun day out; they wanted opportunities to continue learning, build confidence and develop their skills over time.
The new MTB Progression Sessions were created in response to that demand, giving riders a structured pathway where skills learned in one session can be developed and strengthened in the next.
"After delivering over 1,000 coaching sessions in 2025, we noticed many riders returning week after week. Even though sessions were designed as one-offs, children wanted to keep progressing. That showed us there was a real appetite for a more structured coaching journey. And we are delighted that these Coaching Sessions are indemnified by Cycling Ireland” said Sinead Murphy, Operations Manager @ Glencullen Adventure Park
All Photos provided taken by Fiona Madden Photography as per above pic.
Please request if you require further pics E: aileen.eglington@aeconsult.ie
Issued by Aileen Eglington, AE Consulting on behalf of The GAP.
