ABOUT US
ABOUT SQUAMISH MTB ACADEMY
At Squamish MTB Academy, we’re more than just a mountain bike training program. Nestled in the heart of Squamish, BC, we are a dynamic academy dedicated to developing young mountain bikers aged 6-18 with a growth mindset philosophy that reaches beyond the bike. Our mission is to cultivate not only skilled athletes but also resilient, adaptable, and confident individuals, fully equipped with the life skills they need to thrive both on and off the trail.
Our academy offers a range of programs from our elite coaching and youth race league to our international summer sessions, all designed with the aim of empowering young riders to unlock their potential and dream big. Through structured coaching, hands-on experience, and an encouraging community, we guide our riders in mastering technical skills and pushing personal limits safely and sustainably.
OUR PHILOSOPHY
We believe that every young athlete deserves the opportunity to learn in an environment where growth is valued as much as achievement. Our coaching model centers on the growth mindset, which emphasizes resilience, dedication, and a love for learning. This philosophy not only helps our riders develop confidence in their abilities but also empowers them to embrace challenges, learn from setbacks, and continuously improve.
Our programs are designed to surround riders with positive, high-level coaching, guiding them step-by-step toward personal and athletic success. For us, success isn’t measured just in podium finishes but in every moment a rider overcomes a challenge, learns from an experience, or gains a deeper belief in themselves. We’re here to inspire a generation of mountain bikers who are ready to take on whatever life—and the trails—have in store.
THE TEAM
SAM COLE
owner & coach
In 2017, Sam left the UK for the rugged trails of British Columbia and never looked back. His BMX background made for a quick transition to mountain biking, bringing a signature smooth, stylish flair to his riding that stands out on the trails. But Sam is more than just a skilled rider; he’s a coach who truly understands the power of sport to build character, forge connections, and transform lives.
Sam is a dedicated student of sports psychology and high-performance coaching, and his approach combines cutting-edge performance science with a deeply personal, holistic style. He brings this unique knowledge to every session, helping riders unlock their potential and take on challenges with confidence and grit. His style isn’t just about skill—it’s about empowering athletes to grow, adapt, and thrive both on and off the bike.
Inspired by his own experience in a professional soccer academy, Sam founded Squamish Mountain Bike Academy to offer a program unlike any other. Here, young riders don’t just learn to race; they’re mentored and developed as complete athletes, preparing them to reach new heights in mountain biking and in life.
With Sam as your coach, you’re not only working toward your mountain biking goals—you’re part of a journey built on dedication, passion, and a relentless drive to succeed. Whether you’re looking to push boundaries or find a lifelong love of the sport, Sam’s coaching will take you there.
BERNAT POU
owner & head COACH
Hailing from the heart of Catalunya in the Pyrenees, Bernat has built a life around his passion for sport. From a young age, he was immersed in a world of athletic challenges—from competitive tennis, soccer, and swimming to the thrill of skiing, enduro motorbiking, and mountain biking. Each of these experiences has shaped his dynamic coaching style, making him a true force in the world of mountain sports.
Armed with a degree in Physical Activity and Sports Science, Bernat is driven by a mission: to ignite the same passion he feels for sport in everyone he coaches. Certified as a CSIA Level 3 ski coach, PMBIA Level 2 bike coach, and a Level 1 mountain guide, he doesn’t just teach; he inspires. His sessions are crafted to push the limits, turning every moment into an opportunity for growth and adventure.
In his 10 years of professional coaching, Bernat has earned a reputation as a transformative coach who knows how to bring out the best in his students. He has a gift for helping riders unlock potential they didn’t know they had, pushing them to excel in ways they never thought possible. The programs he designs are infused with his energy, passion, and deep expertise, making them sought after by students from all over.
Students and families alike seek out Bernat’s programs for his visionary approach, knowing that even if he’s not their direct coach, they’re participating in a curriculum built by an exceptional leader in the sport. When you train with Bernat, you’re not just learning skills—you’re joining a legacy of excellence in mountain biking and skiing that redefines what it means to be an athlete.
POL
MOLINA
BIKE COACH
Q: Favourite Trail?
A: Fist full of Dollars- Kamloops
Q: Best advice I ever got?
A: Consistency is key
Q: Fun fact about me?
A: I broke 24 bones, and I’m still doing what I love
Q: Why do I coach?
A: I coach to give back to the sport that gave me everything. To give an opportunity of growth and guidance to the next generation of riders, and to share the love for the mountain bike
Javier
Villa
BIKE COACH
Q: Favourite Trail?
A: Dark Crystal – Whistler
Q: Best advice I ever got?
A: You can’t control what happens, but you can control how you respond
Q: Fun fact about me?
A: I talk to my bike like it’s a person before every ride
Q: Why do I coach?
A: I coach because I love helping others discover what they’re capable of — that moment when they realize they can do it is the best feeling in the world
tOMO
BOWYER
BIKE COACH
Q: Favourite Trail?
A: Vision line at Revolution Bike Park Llangynog, WLS
Q: Best advice I ever got?
A: Lean into your strengths
Q: Fun fact about me?
A: The town I come from in Wales is called Mold
Q: Why do I coach?
A: To share some knowledge and the stoke of improvement
ADRIÀ MORALES
BIKE COACH
Q: Favourite Trail?
A:
Q: Best advice I ever got?
A:
Q: Fun fact about me?
A:
Q: Why do I coach?
A:
MARC
RICART
BIKE COACH
Q: Favourite Trail?
A: Boogie Nights – Seymour, North Vancouver
Q: Best advice I ever got?
A: Drop the heels
Q: Fun fact about me?
A: I love pedalling until they offer me a shuttle
Q: Why do I coach?
A: Try to make an impact on next generations who will shape the sport and community in the future
eDDIE
nEILL
TAIL COACH
Q: Favourite Trail?
A: Dirt Merchant – Whistler
Q: Best advice I ever got?
A: Send what you feel good about, and don’t make your friends do things they aren’t feeling
Q: Fun fact about me?
A: I love fishing and skiing along with biking
Q: Why do I coach?
A: Because I love inspiring kids to love mountain biking
gEOFF
BRIGGS
BIKE COACH
Q: Favourite Trail?
A: Gold shark, Mount 7 race course, Aline/dirt merchant/Crab Apple Hits
Q: Best advice I ever got?
A: When competing and things feel overwhelming or you’re overthinking everything, take a step back and remember to have fun, and everything else will fall into place
Q: Fun fact about me?
A: Also a helicopter pilot
Q: Why do I coach?
A: Being able to share my years of race experience and knowledge and help the next and up coming generation of shredders is really fun and rewarding, I love it!
ANGELO CASTAGNOLI
BIKE COACH
Q: Favourite Trail?
A: Coastal Cruise- Sechelt, BC
Q: Best advice I ever got?
A: Be like water
Q: Fun fact about me?
A: I’m a great whistler
Q: Why do I coach?
A: Because I love to share my wisdom with passionate people
