logo

SPONSORING PROGRAM

LEARN MORE
LEARN MORE

HELPING THE NEXT GENERATION OF RIDERS.

Each season, we support one deserving local young rider with our coaching services.

Onward MTB Sponsored Rider on Upward sponsoring program

UPWARD SPONSORING PROGRAM

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR (SELECTION CRITERIA):

  • Age: Riders aged 10 to 16.

  • Location: You must live in the Queenstown Lakes District and be able to train regularly at Ben Lomond Trails (Skyline). We can't consider applications from outside the region.

  • Discipline: This program is for gravity riding (Enduro or Downhill). You should be actively entering races or competitive events in one of these disciplines.

  • Racing history: You've competed in at least one season of local or regional gravity events, and you're planning to race again this season.

  • Attitude and character: We're looking for riders who are self-driven and motivated, keen to learn, and coachable. This matters more to us than raw talent or historical results.

  • Respect: Good manners and respectful behaviour towards coaches, other riders, and the wider community are essential.

  • Commitment: You can show a track record of consistent riding and training, not just occasional sessions. We want to see that you're serious about progressing.

WHAT YOU WILL GET:

This is a special opportunity that’s designed to provide riders with support and resources to improve their skills and competitive efforts. This may include a mix of:

  • A regular training program including skills coaching, bike set up work and timed training.

  • Regular support and check-in sessions throughout the season.

  • Equipment from our brand partners.

  • Connections to industry partners and other networking opportunities.

Essentially, we’ll give you as much support in your riding as we can, subject to operational capacity*.

*subject to further terms.

OUR EXPECTATIONS:

Our number one goal is to create a fun environment for our riders to learn. We’re here to support growth, not apply pressure. Rider’s should:

  • Turn up to sessions keen to listen, learn and practice. Be motivated to ride and practice in between sessions.

  • Represent Onward MTB Coaching positively and lead by example.

  • Social media tagging, helmet/bike stickers and logo printing on jerseys.

APPLY NOW

** Applications for 2026/27 season are closed**

The chosen applicant will be announced in September. Deadline for entering is 31st August.

Advice for this application:

  • The more effort you put into this, the better your application will be considered.

  • Applications MUST be written by the rider applying. We encourage you to use your own words.

  • Be honest.

We may reach out to contact or meet with you after applying.

Onward MTB Sponsored Rider on Upward sponsoring program

APPLY

FURTHER TERMS

We don’t ask for much in return for this sponsorship. However, with a total value of over $5k, we do have some important conditions. Please consider the following terms when applying:

  1. Only open to residents of the Queenstown Lakes District. You must be local and be able to train regularly at Ben Lomond Trails (Skyline). We won’t look at applications from out of town, sorry.

  2. This is aimed at riders involved in gravity riding disciplines (EDR/DH).

  3. Any gear or equipment provided by our brand partners is solely to support Onward MTB Coaching in program delivery. Your sponsorship is limited only to Onward MTB Coaching - It does not mean you are sponsored by our brand partners.

  4. You must be willing to ride and race exclusively in all provided equipment/apparel. If it doesn’t fit you, just let us know so we can find a solution. Riders are solely responsible for replacing lost, damaged or broken equipment, and change-of-mind equipment replacement.

  5. It is expected that you will positively represent yourself, us, and our partners with pride.

  6. Training times need to fit around our schedule in off-peak times. We will allocate a regular weekly training slot for you, early in the season to complete your training program. We will aim to complete between 6-10 sessions over the season. Missed, cancelled or late sessions will not be made-up and if needed, priority will be given to paying customers.

  7. Misconduct, or any behaviour that we deem contrary to the spirit of this sponsorship will result in the immediate removal of the program and return of all equipment/apparel.

  8. Other terms will be communicated if applicable to the selected rider.

    Good luck!