Zach Smith accepts NSR foundation spot for 2025/2026
Utmost Ian Brown’s Academy rider Zach Smith has been identified as one of the top mountain bike riders in the UK and has accepted the opportunity to become a Great Britain Cycling Team (GBCT) Mountain Bike Cross Country (XC) National School of Racing Foundation rider for 2025/2026.
Only three places are allocated from the UK and progression to the Great Britain Cycling Team Olympic Development Squad is a realistic path for riders who graduate. The fifteen year old has been a consistent challenger at UK XC events this year with some very impressive performances at national level and a strong showing at the European Youth Championships in Sweden this summer.
Gary Wallbridge, President of the Guernsey Velo Club said; “Zach has been a rising star within the club for a number of years and at the age of just 15 is now beginning to challenge and beat the senior club members in our local MTB races. With Zach being invited to join British Cycling's National School of Racing it means his progress up the rankings in the MTB world of racing will be assured by the professional support he will receive over the next year or so from British Cycling. This is a great opportunity for Zach and demonstrates once again Guernsey has the ability to produce high quality racing cyclists. On behalf of the Guernsey Velo Club, I wish him all the best for the future.”
Lauren Gale of Utmost International Guernsey said; “Utmost is thrilled to sponsor the Guernsey Velo Club and be able to provide support to so many athletes competing across the various cycling disciplines. We have followed Zach for a while and continue to be impressed with his achievements in mountain biking. We wish Zach all the very best with this new opportunity and look forward to seeing the updates on his successes throughout 2026.“
Nicky Will of The Guernsey Sports Commission said; “The Guernsey Sports Commission is delighted for Zach and that his hard work and commitment has paid off. We are pleased to have been able to help with his travel costs through our Sport Development Fund and look forward to continuing this support over the coming year and following his cycling career as it continues to develop.”
Zach will be coached by Ben Skaife who is the British Cycling Talent Development Coach for Mountain Bike Cross Country (XC). Coaching delivery will include NSR-Foundation camps and days, which will be delivered at different indoor & outdoor facilities across the year.
Well done Zach and good luck in 2026!
