British Cycling Level 3 Leadership Assessment

The Cyclewise British Cycling Mountain Bike (MTB) Level 3 Assessment represents the pinnacle of mountain bike leadership proficiency. This rigorous evaluation is designed for individuals who have undergone advanced level 3 training and are seeking the highest level of certification in leading mountain biking activities. The assessment delves into a range of critical skills, including advanced navigation, risk management, technical riding proficiency, and leadership dynamics. Participants are thoroughly evaluated on their ability to navigate challenging terrains, make informed decisions in dynamic environments, and lead groups effectively. The Level 3 Leadership Assessment sets a high standard, ensuring that those who achieve this certification possess the expertise and confidence to lead and inspire others in the demanding realm of off-road mountain biking. With Cyclewise tutors guiding the process, participants undergo a comprehensive evaluation that not only validates their individual capabilities but also contributes to the overall excellence and safety standards within the mountain biking community.

The Assessment

The British Cycling Level 3 Leadership Assessment comprises a formal two-day practical assessment, and a written assignment. Our assessment procedure is designed to help you further develop your skills as a mountain bike leader. We will provide a group for you to lead, which may include other candidates who are being assessed on the same day or riders who are there to just fulfill the role as participants.

The minimum recommended time between training and assessment is 6 weeks. However, for most candidates, this period varies between 8 – 12 months. Once you have completed your training course, our tutors will give you a good indication of how ready you are for assessment and give you a list of any areas you may need to work on before returning for your assessment. The assessment puts learners under a proportionate level of pressure that reflects the role of a Level 3 Mountain Bike Leader. The tutor will facilitate your assessment throughout the 2 days in an environment of continuous learning. They will support all learners to understand where their personal skill set meets the qualification requirements, including explaining where and why, if it is not yet at the required standard. We will provide all learners with a personal action plan for future development after the assessment.

Practical Assessment: 

We hold the practical assessment over two days. On the first day, we will observe a candidate’s competence in trail side repairs, navigation strategies, and the techniques required to tackle technical terrain.
The second day enables the aspiring Level 3 guide to lead a group of participants around a technical route. During this ride, we will require you to show all the required competencies of the Level 3 Award. Each candidate will lead a section of the assessment route working for approximately 10km working with a maximum ratio of 1:4.
We will expect you to deliver a flowing journey, demonstrating excellent navigation skills, and be able to locate your position on a map at all times. The assessment procedure is informal and helps you to develop your skills as a mountain bike leader.

Written Assignment:

The written assignment is an open book home study task and consists of a range of short-answer questions. We based this task on the information included in the British Cycling Level 3 Mountain Bike Leadership Handbook and other resources provided on the course. Upon booking, a questionnaire will be sent to you via email. (paper copies are available upon request) You should return this to Cyclewise no later than seven days prior to your practical assessment date. Please ensure you allow plenty of time to complete and return the questionnaire before your assessment day.

Instructor Ratio: 1:4 or 2:8 max
Course Cost: £270
Course Venue: The Yan, Grizedale Visitor Centre

Link To Google Map

To find out more about the British Cycling Level 3 Leadership Assessment, please contact us or e-mail bookings@cyclewise.co.uk. We will be very happy to help.

BC Level 3 Assessment Reviews

Wow. Super proud and delighted to have passed this top level award. On the back of my 3 days of training and countless hours of riding, I feel that I have been challenged, tested, and pushed to meet this high standard. I feel that I have really earned this award. Thanks Cyclewise for an incredible journey. Looking forward to making it happen high on the mountains.

The best assessment I have ever done. Getting to ride Helvellyn on the assessment day in amazing weather, riding in technical terrain, and finishing with a steamer journey on Ullswater is a proper Level 3 day out. The assessment met all of my expectations. I can highly recommend cycles – I have completed both my Level 2 and Level 3 awards with Rich, Craig, and Ed and I can not fault them in any way.

Hi Sue and Rich, thanks for an outstanding weekend on the level 3 assessment. Getting tested in actual situations is extremely valuable, and it doesn’t get much more real than that route on Sunday. What an amazing ride!