Draft:Global Mountain Bike Network
YouTube channel
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Global Mountain Bike Network (GMBN) is a mountain biking-related YouTube channel launched in 2014 in the United Kingdom. It is operated by Play Sports Network, a digital media company specialising in cycling media, and is part of a wider portfolio of cycling-focused channels that also includes Global Cycling Network, Global Triathlon Network, GMBN Tech and the Electric Mountain Bike Network.[1]
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Global Mountain Bike Network | |
|---|---|
| YouTube information | |
| Channel | |
| Years active | 2014–present |
| Genre | Mountain biking |
| Subscribers | 2.07 million |
| Views | 720 million |
| Last updated: 13 April 2026 | |
| Website | www |
The channel publishes videos about mountain biking disciplines including trail riding, downhill, enduro, cross-country and bike-park riding. Its output includes technique tutorials, maintenance and workshop videos, product and equipment features, travel and destination content, challenge videos and studio discussion programmes.[2][1]
History
Global Mountain Bike Network was launched in March 2014 as an off-road companion to Global Cycling Network, extending Play Sports Network's YouTube-led cycling media model into mountain biking.[2] GMBN's own "About us" page describes the brand as having been "born in March 2014".[2]
The channel was developed as part of a broader digital publishing strategy by SHIFT Active Media and Play Sports Network, focusing on specialist cycling communities through separate discipline-based brands.[3] Play Sports Network states that its portfolio reaches cycling audiences across road cycling, mountain biking, triathlon and e-mountain biking, and that the business grew from the launch of Global Cycling Network in 2012.[3]
On 27 February 2017, Discovery Communications, owner of Eurosport, announced that it had acquired a 20% stake in Play Sports Group, the company behind GMBN and related cycling channels.[4]
In January 2019, Discovery increased its holding to 71%, taking a controlling interest in Play Sports Group and integrating its cycling media brands more closely into its sports media business.[5] In 2021, industry reporting stated that Discovery had taken full ownership of Play Sports Group.[6]
In June 2024, Warner Bros. Discovery sold a majority stake in Play Sports Network back to founder Simon Wear and chief executive Mia Walter, returning the company to private ownership while retaining a minority shareholding.[7]
Content
GMBN focuses on practical and entertainment-based mountain biking content. According to Play Sports Network, the channel delivers "daily how to's, technique, humour, news, adventure and entertainment" for viewers interested in mountain biking.[1] Its merchandising site similarly describes the channel as "a light-hearted and informative entertainment channel dedicated to everything and anything mountain biking".[2]
Regular content areas include instructional videos on descending, cornering, jumping, braking, line choice and bike handling; workshop videos on setup, suspension tuning and repairs; bike and component features; challenge and endurance rides; destination features; and studio-led current-affairs discussions on trends and issues in mountain biking.[2][1]
The brand has also been used for related specialist programming. GMBN Tech focuses on mountain bike technology, maintenance and component news, while the Electric Mountain Bike Network covers electric mountain bikes and adjacent subjects in e-MTB riding and equipment.[1]
Presenters
Current presenters
The official GMBN presenters page lists the following presenters:[8]
- Martyn Ashton
- Rich Payne
- James Pickering
- Fergus Ryan
- Owen Coutts
- Adam Scroxton
Presenter biographies
- Martyn Ashton is a former trials rider and cycling presenter who has also been associated with Global Cycling Network and other Play Sports Network projects.[8]
- Rich Payne is presented by GMBN as a riding-skills specialist and coach within the channel's instructional output.[8]
- James Pickering is described by GMBN as a former cross-country racer who moved from BMX into competitive XC riding before shifting towards adventure riding and bikepacking content.[9]
- Fergus Ryan is described by GMBN as a former downhill and enduro racer who competed in the Enduro World Series before moving into freeride and mountain adventure content.[10]
- Owen Coutts and Adam Scroxton are identified by GMBN as the presenters of GMBN Tech, the brand's technology-focused companion channel.[8]
Related channels
GMBN forms part of Play Sports Network's broader group of cycling channels. As listed by the company, these include:[1]
- Global Cycling Network
- GMBN Tech
- Electric Mountain Bike Network
- Global Triathlon Network