Fun
Safe
Progression

 
 

GGR coaches are world class. Head Coach Eric Olsen, Program Director Joel Harwood of BluePrint Athletics and Techincal Coach Shaums March.

Head Coach

Eric Olsen is GGRs Head Coach on the ground. EDR Racer, owner/engineer at Jank Components, and our favorite from Pink Bike Academy! Eric is a certified coach through BICP and a pro racer. He helps to guide the spirit of our program.

Program Director

Joel has devoted his professional life to teaching and mentoring cyclists of all kinds. He blends his knowledge of technical skills, long-term athlete development, science, teaching, and competition to provide the most proven coaching system available. 

  • Chartered Professional Coach

  • Masters of Education

  • Honours Bachelor of Kinesiology

  • Bachelor of Education

  • NCCP Competition Development Certified

  • NCCP Learning Facilitator

  • PMBI & IDP Trained

  • Over 15 years of skills coaching experience

  • Over 15 years of strength & conditioning coaching experience

  • Over 15 years of experiential education experience

  • Cycling British Columbia – Head Coach (all disciplines)

  • Union Health and Performance – Owner and Coach

  • Wilderness First Responder

BluePrint Athlete Development Partnership

Unparalleled Coaching

Blueprint Athlete Development and Galbraith Gravity Racing have a growing and unique partnership for races who are ready to move into Elite race, we have a pathway.

Blueprint integrates every training pillar including fitness, technique, and psychological strategies, all tailored to individual needs for optimal performance. Athletes will train Squamish, B.C. and Bellingham WA.

  • Training Plans: Custom or general fitness and technique coaching to meet the needs of high performance athletes.

  • International and Canadian Race Support

Shaums March

Galbraith Gravity’s original coach and close friend of the team; Shaums March, a two time Downhill masters World Champion, former Red Bull athlete, and technical skills coach for the USA Cycling National and Olympic team. Shaums has coached multiple riders to National Championships, and 5 of his riders have won World Championship titles! :).

Shaums helped GGR get started. When GGR was getting started he said, ‘you run it and I will coach it!’ He helped through the beginning, COVID and all the challenges to establish the team. He acts as our teachnical expert and technical coach.

GALBRAITH GRAVITY RACING — COACHING & LEADERSHIP

At GGR, coaching is more than instruction — it’s a leadership development pathway where riders grow into mentors, junior leaders, and certified coaches while strengthening our team culture.

We combine experienced adult coaching with a structured path for young athletes who want to lead and teach others — because kids who learn to teach learn faster themselves.

Our Coaching Philosophy

Coaching at GGR emphasizes:

  • Positive, supportive instruction grounded in safety and technical fundamentals

  • Progression-based learning, using race age, skill, and emotional maturity to guide placement

  • Peer mentorship, where older riders help younger athletes grow

  • Leadership development, preparing riders to become future coaches and role models

This approach not only improves performance — it builds confident, capable athletes and leaders.

Experienced Adult Coaches

Our adult coaching team brings a wealth of experience across racing, technical instruction, and youth development:

  • Head Coach: a certified and highly experienced rider who guides the spirit and structure of the program

  • Technical Coach: experts with national and international racing experience

  • Program Director & Pro Partners: bring additional perspective, clinics, and advanced skills training, and trains our coaches.

These coaches set the training philosophy, mentor youth leaders, and oversee group progression.

Youth Coaches & Leadership Pathway

GGR has a formal pathway for athletes who want to transition from rider to leader:

Junior Ride Leaders

  • Experienced youth riders who volunteer to support group rides

  • Assist with pacing, safety, and group morale

  • Bridge communication between coaches, athletes, and families

Elite Teen Coaches

  • Teen-aged mentors selected for leadership ability and coaching commitment

  • Work closely with adult coaches to develop team programs

  • Support larger group sessions, race weekends, and special clinics

This structure gives riders a clear path from participant → mentor → coach, reinforcing the idea that teaching makes you faster and leadership is earned through experience.

Why Our Coaching Model Works

  • Builds strong technical and mental skills

  • Encourages leadership and responsibility

  • Makes progression visible and meaningful

  • Creates a self-sustaining culture where riders help riders

This creates a tighter, safer, and more motivated team

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USA Cycling

GGR is licensed and insured through USA Cycling. We follow Safe Sport Guidelines.

 

Training Opportunities

  • Clinics with Certified Coaches

  • Guest Coach/Expert/Pro Clinics

  • Race Support - Track Walks & Practice Rides

  • Team Training Rides

  • Pump Track Sessions