NZ MTB Academy is a New Zealand based MTB programme setup to support the codes of XCO, DHI and Enduro.
The purpose for the programme is to support and develop young MTB athletes progressing from Junior into Elite. New Zealand MTB Academy - A academy setup to develop athletes in the sport of MTB (DH,XC & Enduro) as they progress from development to high performance world class level.
27/08/2026
Meet Addie 👋🏼
She first got on a bike at 3 years old, doing BMX racing and chasing her brothers around the track. Then at 6, she swapped BMX for mountain biking, and that's when it really clicked.
For Addison Rutherfurd, riding isn't just about the trails. It's the friendships and connections she's built with people all over the world. It's the community. And at the end of the day, it's simple: riding her bike is where she's happiest.
23/08/2026
NZMTBA takes on the DH World Cup in Les Gets.
Huge effort from the whole academy on a stacked world stage, special congrats to our athletes who came away with placings: Malik Boatwright (P2), Seppy Binsbergen (P5), Indy Deavoll (P8) and Sterling Stevens-McNab761 (P20). Proud of every rider who lined up 👏🏼
03/08/2026
Say hi to Millie 👋🏼
Millie Junge started riding young with weekend family rides that gradually got longer and harder. As her confidence grew, so did her love for it, and mountain biking became her favourite sport.
She loves the challenge, the freedom, and the rush you get from riding, whether it's a race or just a cruisy ride. There's nothing quite like it 🚲
It's a pleasure to have you as part of the academy Millie Junge!
30/07/2026
Kate Hastings has been putting together a strong first block of World Cup rounds, consistent, and constantly close to qualifying for finals.
In Andorra, it all came together. The process and the support paid off: Kate qualified for finals and finished P8 👏🏼
A great way to head into the break. Proud of you, kate 🙌
Sammie Maxwell's role with the NZ MTB Academy looks different these days...
"I have a mentorship role which I really enjoy doing. I love being able to talk to younger riders and teach them what I've learnt. A big thing that motivates me is helping to create the next generation of strong and knowledgeable athletes."
We're so lucky to have her as part of our whānau ♥️
Read her full story via the link in the comments.
19/07/2026
Meet Cole
He got into riding because it was fun, and then decided he wanted to be good at it. Now look at him, the results show it 🤙🏼
08/07/2026
Injury early in the season could’ve derailed everything. Instead, Millie Junge packed her bags for Canada, raced four times, and won all four. Two of those were WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series Junior World Series events.
220 UCI points later, she’s sitting 6th in the world junior rankings.
Next stop: Europe for a Junior World Cup, then Worlds, where she’s aiming top 5.
Millie is on fire right now and we are so proud!
Full story linked in the comments below
06/07/2026
From athlete to mentor - Sammie Maxwell journey with NZMTBA is one we're really proud to share.
Sammie joined the academy as a college student who wasn't sure mountain biking could ever be more than a passion project. Now she's one of our most valued alumni, and part of the whānau as a mentor.
Head to the link in the comments to read her full story.
30/06/2026
Meet Milla Phipps 👋
Rotorua local, XCO and Enduro racer, and 2026 U23 XCO Oceania Champion. Milla grew up with bikes in the family, both parents raced XC, but when you grow up in Rotorua, enduro is pretty hard to avoid.
Podiums at Elite Nationals in both XCO and Enduro, a national series title, and now an Oceania championship. She does it all.
Awesome to have you part of the NZMTBA whānau, Milla Phipps 🙌🏼
Savanna Guet
29/06/2026
Lenzerheide didn’t go to plan for Cole hulsebosch. A dislocated shoulder the morning of quali meant his race never got off the ground, but he still showed up with a smile.
Wishing you a speedy recovery, Cole hulsebosch. We can’t wait to see what you do when you’re back on the bike 👊🏻