IMBA Europe has announced that Bike Innovation Scotland has been selected to host the 2027 IMBA Europe Summit in the Tweed Valley, Scottish Borders.

The Summit will take place on 22 to 24 September 2027 at the Caerlee Mill Bike Campus and Trail Lab in Innerleithen, where the world’s first dedicated Mountain Bike Innovation Centre is currently under construction.

Earlier this year, the Borderlands Partnership Board approved £15.5million of UK Government investment through the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal for the development of a Mountain Bike Innovation Centre and Trail Lab.

The Caerlee Mill Bike Campus is projected to generate £86million in Gross Value Added and over 225 jobs in the South of Scotland over ten years, with potential for an additional £4m of UK Government investment in the Tweed Valley Adventure Bike Park.

What to expect at IMBA Europe Summit 2027

The IMBA Europe Summits, held annually since 2014, have grown into one of the most influential gatherings for the mountain biking community in Europe. 

Originally focused on bringing member organisations together, the Summit now attracts a diverse audience including trail builders, tourism professionals, land managers, academics, public authorities and health practitioners.

The 2027 Summit will follow the established format of a two-to-three-day event, featuring keynote presentations from global thought leaders, interactive workshops, panel discussions, project meetings and site visits.

Delegates can also expect a strong social programme, including daily group rides and opportunities to experience the Tweed Valley’s internationally celebrated trails first-hand.

With its unique combination of trail focused innovation, sustainability and community, the Tweed Valley is set to deliver a truly distinctive and inspiring IMBA Europe Summit in 2027 – one that highlights both the future of mountain biking destinations and the power of collaboration across land managers, researchers, industry, strong communities and riders.

Tweed Valley - premier UK location for mountain biking

• From the globally renowned Glentress Trail Centre – host of the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships – to the famed enduro trails of Innerleithen, the region offers an unmatched combination of natural beauty, technical challenge and riding heritage.
• The Tweed Valley is also set to play host to 2027 Tour de France Grand Départ, with the first stage passing through the Scottish Borders on 2 July.
• At the centre of the Summit will be the newly developed Caerlee Mill Bike Campus, a pioneering facility dedicated to research, development and collaboration in the bike sector.
• As a hub for cutting-edge innovation, education and industry engagement, the Centre and Trail Lab will provide an ideal venue to explore the latest advancements in trail design, rider experience and sustainable infrastructure.
• Beyond the conference programme, delegates will have the opportunity to experience the wider destination. 
• The Tweed Valley boasts a rich offering of outdoor and cultural activities – from guided MTB rides and trail building experiences, to wild swimming, riverside cycling and visits to historic sites such as Traquair House, Scotland’s oldest inhabited home.
• A wide range of accommodation, local food and drink and vibrant community-led businesses will ensure a warm and memorable welcome for all visitors.

Professor Gary Hutchison, Vice Principal, Regional Innovation & External Affairs at Edinburgh Napier University, said:

“In what promises to be an exciting year for cycling in Scotland, it is a real privilege to be able to host an event of this calibre.

“The new Caerlee Mill Bike Campus in Innerleithen, with its world leading facilities and celebrated trails, will provide the perfect setting for those who are shaping the future of this sector.

“This also offers the ideal opportunity for us to showcase and develop Edinburgh Napier’s strong track record in mountain bike research and innovation.
“We look forward to welcoming delegates for what will no doubt be an inspirational summit.”

Russel Griggs, South of Scotland Enterprise Chair, said:

“It is fantastic for the new Mountain Bike Innovation Centre to be hosting this landmark event for the European mountain biking sector.

“2027 will be a hugely exciting year for cycling in our region, with the opening of the Centre and the Tour de France arrival in the South of Scotland amongst a number of other exciting announcements.

“The Caerlee Mill Bike Campus site is progressing on time and on budget, with the building beginning to take shape with the steel frame now in place.”

Mark Torsius, IMBA Europe's General Manager, said:

“Of the many high-quality bids submitted for the 2027 summit, we simply couldn't overlook Bike Innovation Scotland's.

“As one of the most mountain bike-friendly countries - and with the momentum generated by the opening of the Caerlee Mill Bike Campus - we are delighted to be heading to Innerleithen in 2027 and working alongside our Scottish colleagues from ENU, DMBinS, and South of Scotland Enterprise.

“From Scotland's 'right to roam' responsible outdoor access to the new Innovation Centre and Trail Lab, it all blends well with the direction IMBA Europe has set out in its new multi-year strategy: ‘Protect the legacy, build the future’.”