COMMONWEALTH Games cyclist Grant Ferguson will share his experiences of mountain biking in Scotland with hundreds of delegates from around the world at a major conference heading for Peebles.

The full programme for the Developing Mountain Biking in Scotland Conference 2014, which is supported by the VisitScotland Conference Bid Fund and Scottish Borders Council, was unveiled at the Hydro.

Swiss cyclist Hans “No Way” Rey, known as the world’s foremost adventure rider, will also be speaking at the event, which runs from November 11-13.

As well as speeches and workshops, the conference will include field visits throughout Scotland, including the Scottish Mountain Bike Centre at Glentress, the World Cup trail at Fort William and the Commonwealth Games trail at Cathkin Braes in Glasgow.

Among the topics on the agenda will be the development of mountain biking tourism and the main issues facing the industry, with thel aim to highlight the quality of mountain biking in Scotland to an international audience.

Mountain biking is worth £49.5 million a year to the Scottish economy from visitors whose main reason for visiting is to ride and £130m from those who enjoy mountain biking as part of their stay in Scotland.

It is estimated the event, which will be attended by more than 200 mountain biking experts from the likes of New Zealand, Whistler in Canada and across the UK, will generate more than £250,000 for the economy.

Grant Ferguson said: “I am delighted to be announced as a speaker at the Developing Mountain Biking in Scotland Conference, particularly as it is the international edition.

“I grew up in Peebles and fully appreciate the world-class trails on offer in the Scottish Borders. I have also ridden and raced my bike across the world, and have a wide range of experiences to share with the Scottish audience. To be asked back to my hometown to speak about the events I have participated in, including the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games, is a real honour and I am thrilled to be involved in the conference.”