Skills Clinic!

Cape to Cape MTB is offering free skills clinics to help first timers and those new to mountain biking to prepare for the 2026 edition of Cape to Cape.

The two day clinics cover the fundamental skills of MTB riding and bike operation and preparation the clinics will help riders improve their skills and have an enjoyable and safe experience at Cape to Cape in October.

All five clinics will be delivered by experienced mountain bike coach Andy van Kann and supported by fellow coaches and Cape to Cape MTB regulars including 2025 winner Sarah Tucknott.

The skills clinics will be held in Dunsborough, Nannup and Dwellingup providing opportunities for participants from across Perth and the South West Region to participate and grow their mountain bike skills.

Participants are welcome to attend one or both days, though it is beneficial to attend both days with the skills covered on Saturday supporting activities on Sunday.

Saturday covers bike set up, key foundation skills including stability and balance, controls and terrain awareness as well as riding some of the course (in Nannup and Dunsborough).

On Sunday the clinic will cover more advanced bike set up and basic technical work including rock climbs and descents before looking at downhill speed.

Race Director Bill Hayes said, "After successful clinics in Dunsborough in 2024 and 2025 we have further expended the program to five clinics this year across three locations."

"We know there are lots of people out there who enjoy riding on the world class trails that WA has to offer every weekend but are uncertain about entering a race for the first time. These free clinics with leading coaches and instructors are designed to help riders gain and improve their mountain bike fundamentals to give them the confidence to ride Cape to Cape MTB."

"Adding clinics in Nannup will allow people to experience the unique and world class trails in Nannup as part of their skills development and with Dwellingup just an hour from Perth it opens the clinics up to more participants from the Perth metro area."

"Holding two women's only clinics this year is part of our aim to grow female participation in not only the Cape to Cape MTB but mountain biking more broadly. We are proud to have higher female participation than any other mountain bike race in Australia and look to continue growing this in 2026 and beyond."