BOISE, IDAHO – Hard MTB League is expanding its global reach with the addition of four‑time World Champion Caroline Buchanan to its advisory board and the launch of new international travel awards for the 2026 season qualifier in Boise, Idaho.
With Caroline’s support, Hard MTB League is introducing two IGNITE Travel Awards for young riders (ages 10–19) from Australia and New Zealand—one male and one female athlete who will compete in the May 23 qualifier. Inspired by Caroline’s commitment to developing the next generation of international athletes, the league is also adding two additional international travel awards for riders of any age from outside North America.
“What excites me about Hard MTB League is that it tests the full spectrum of mountain biking, not just one discipline,” said Caroline Buchanan. “Pairing that format with international travel awards sends a clear message: if you have the skill and the drive, geography shouldn’t hold you back. I’m honored to support a league that’s pushing the sport forward. Through IGNITE, I’m committed to turning education and scholarships into real pathways that help young athletes access opportunity, not just chase results.”
The partnership represents a natural alignment between Buchanan's global influence and Hard MTB League's mission to identify the world's best all-around mountain bike riders. As international interest grows, the league is expanding beyond North America to find athletes who embody versatility, progression, and high‑level riding – while preparing to launch future events in Australia, New Zealand, and Europe. These International Travel Awards will be granted to riders who demonstrate discipline, determination, and a relentless commitment to progression.
"Caroline represents everything Hard MTB stands for – aggressive riding, complete skill mastery, and pushing the limits," said Braydon Bringhurst, Hard MTB League founder. "Her passion for developing riders and breaking down barriers to competition aligns perfectly with our mission. We're stoked to partner with her to bring international talent to Boise and showcase what modern mountain biking looks like on a global stage."
Hard MTB League's revolutionary format tests climbing, descending, jumping, and technical skills in unified competition, identifying the sport's most versatile mountain bike riders. The spectator-friendly format keeps all the action visible – no disappearing into the woods while fans wonder what's happening.
International athletes must apply by Feb 15, 2026 at www.hardmtbleague.com/2026application. The selection committee will identify the best-fit athletes for Hard MTB League competition. All international applicants are automatically in the Travel Award pool. This initiative is about finding skilled international riders committed to self‑mastery on and off the bike. If that’s you, get your application in. This is about finding skilled international athletes committed to self-mastery on and off the bike. If that's you, get your application in.
About Hard MTB League: Hard MTB League is the ultimate test of complete mountain biking ability. Founded by professional rider and filmmaker Braydon Bringhurst in 2023, Hard MTB fills a void in the sport by crowning riders who can do it all—climb, descend, jump, and navigate technical terrain at the highest level. While traditional competitions force specialization into strict disciplines, Hard MTB League celebrates versatility, pushing modern trail bikes and their riders to the absolute limit in a spectator-friendly format where fans witness every moment of the action. The league debuted as a Pro Invitational in 2024, showcasing elite athletes alongside community events that welcome riders of all abilities. Hard MTB League is the next evolution of competition—where the most complete all‑around rider shows what mountain biking is truly capable of.
For more information about the 2026 Hard MTB Challenge series, visit www.hardmtbleague.com or follow @hardmtbleague on social media.
Media Contact: Scott Hart at Hard MTB League media@hardmtbleague.com
