The full programme for the Developing Mountain Biking in Scotland Conference 2014 was unveiled yesterday (Thursday) at Peebles Hydro.

Swiss cyclist Hans “No Way” Rey, known as the world’s foremost adventure rider, will also be speaking at the event, which takes place in November.

As well as speeches and workshops, the conference will also include a number of 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.

Grant 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.” Among the topics on the agenda will be the ongoing development of mountain biking tourism and the main issues facing the industry, with the overall 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, Canada and across the UK, will generate more than £250,000 for the economy.

The conference is headed up by Graeme McLean, Project Manager at Developing Mountain Biking for Scotland, which is part of Scottish Cycling.

Graeme told us: “Scotland is one of the best locations in the world to go mountain biking.

“We have fantastic facilities for visitors, and Scottish people, with more than 30 purpose-built trail centres spread across the country and our access laws which allow us to responsibly ride most trails and paths across the country.

“Scotland is a key mountain biking innovator in terms of trails and facilities development, skills progression and sustainable development however we are interested in learning best practice from around the world and bringing it to Scotland. We believe that the conference will help this growing sport reach its full potential.”