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Meet Ed - The new Scottish Borders MTB Development Coordinator

Introducing Ed Ibbetson, the new Scottish Borders MTB Regional Development Coordinator. With 20+ years experience in the bike industry and a love of riding in the Scottish Borders, we are delighted to welcome him to our team. Read our full press release and find out more about our Ed.

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Read full press release

EX-HOTLINES HEAD OF OPERATIONS TAKES ON NEW SCOTTISH BORDERS MTB DEVELOPMENT POST TO MAXIMISE OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE AREA

Ed Ibbetson former Hotlines Europe Ltd Head of Operations and Supplier Management takes over high profile role in the Scottish Borders.

Developing Mountain Biking in Scotland (DMBinS), an organisation hosted within Scottish Cycling, will manage the post and the project.

Graeme McLean, Head of DMBinS said;

‘We are delighted to welcome Ed to our team and the role after a competitive recruitment process. The Scottish Borders is one of the leading mountain bike destinations in the UK and Europe. This role will support the continued growth and development of mountain biking across the region and will help deliver greater impacts through developing the skills agenda, supporting innovation in small businesses and local communities to sustainably develop the economic contribution that mountain biking brings across the Borders.’

‘Ed’s proven track record after many years in the industry will be an asset to the team and the wider Scottish Borders and we very much look forward to working with him to progress and capitalise on the upcoming opportunities for the area.’

Over the next few years the Scottish Borders will deliver three multi-million-pound mountain bike capital projects – The Borderlands MTB Project, a refresh of the 7Stanes and the Glentress Masterplan. This role will help ensure the Borders maximises the development and business opportunities that mountain biking brings.

Ed Ibbetson said;

‘I am super excited to be taking on this role and working with the DMBinS team, wider stakeholders and the local communities across the Borders. I look forward to combining my passion for riding with the 20+ years experience in the bike industry spanning everything from marketing and events to warranty and supplier management. I can’t wait to bring my passion and experience to the role and look forward to seeing what this project can achieve.

Local community and business event

There will be an opportunity for the local community and businesses to come and meet Ed, listen to his work plan and discuss any opportunities or concerns they have for mountain biking across the Scottish Borders.

The event will be held at the Peel Tower, Glentress on the evening of the 12th June from 7-9pm.

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Find out more about Ed

We set Ed a few random questions as he starts his first week in his new role as part of our team.

What did you do before taking on this role?

I've spent the past 25 years in the warm embrace of the bike industry: from shop assistant, via warranty, marketing and purchasing through to head of operations at a prominent bicycle distribution company.

What are your hopes for this role?

I really want to do justice to all the great work that has already been done in the Borders, and work to ensure that the borders remains a key, relevant, and interesting riding destination for UK and overseas riders. I'd love to see ongoing development of contemporary trails for all abilities, with facilities that make it even easier to get out and ride.

How have you seen the bike industry change and what are your hopes for the future?

The most obvious change that we've all seen over the past few years is the increasing uptake of E-bikes. It will be interesting to see how this shift in riding style is reflected in future MTB trails.

What does/will an average day in post look like?

This role will be massively diverse and no two days will be the same. I'll be engaging with everyone from educators, to trail associations, landowners, local businesses and riders.

What is your favourite food?

I love a BBQ with family and friends. (We concur!)

Favourite post ride snack?

Banana's are the cure to all that ails you!

What do you enjoy away from biking?

I love the outdoors: trail running, hill walking, kayaking, SUP'ing and camping (and roller disco). (We may need to delve further into the roller disco Ed!)

Favourite ever bike?

I have a real soft spot for my Marin Indian Fire Trail from circa 1998; Pearlescent white, upgraded to XT/XTR with a Judy 100 fork. I'm sure that it didn't ride anywhere near as well as I remember, and I've had countless better bikes since then, but it was my first proper (new) bike and I really did love that colour!

Greatest bike achievement?

Riding in the borders with the legendary John Tomac.......and almost keeping up with him ;-)

Greatest achievement off bike?

Playing my part in raising two amazing kids.

Bike kit/equipment I can’t live without?

Fitting Cushcore and a decent back tyre to my alloy hardtail was transformational.

Little known fact?

I was a finalist in the "Young Malt Whisky Taster of the Year" competition. (Aye, he's going to fit in just fine!)

This project is funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

The UK Shared Prosperity Fund is a central pillar of the UK government’s Levelling Up agenda and provides £2.6 billion of funding for local investment by March 2025. The Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills. For more information.

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