Ian Hughes is passionate about mountain biking. With more than 20 years of experience in the sport, he has helped develop numerous athletes and has played an important role in the growth of mountain biking in Quebec.
Throughout his career, he served as the first coach of the National Cycling Centre in Bromont, worked with Team Quebec, and spent nearly ten years coaching the Canadian National Team, primarily athletes between the ages of 14 and 23.
Over the years, Ian has witnessed mountain biking’s growing popularity. More families are discovering the sport, experienced riders are getting back on their bikes, and many newcomers are looking to build solid skills from the very beginning.
According to Ian, even the most experienced riders always have room to improve.
“Cornering is definitely the most difficult skill to learn and master. It is the situation where all riding skills come together, and good cornering is often what makes the biggest difference in overall bike handling.”
— Ian Hughes
Whether the goal is to improve body positioning, refine riding technique, gain confidence on technical terrain, or tackle larger features, progression starts with learning and applying proper fundamentals.
Ian also believes there are no shortcuts to mastering the sport. While online videos can be helpful for introducing new concepts, they can never fully replace observation, personalized feedback, and coaching when it comes to correcting bad habits and accelerating improvement.
One of the most important lessons he emphasizes is the value of strong fundamentals. Beginners and intermediate riders alike benefit enormously from developing proper techniques early on. These foundations make it possible to progress more efficiently, more safely, and with greater confidence.
Fortunately, Bromont offers an exceptional playground to put these skills into practice. With its variety of trails and high-quality maintenance, the mountain provides challenges and opportunities for riders of all skill levels, from first-timers to seasoned mountain bikers.
Photo credit : Golh.tv