The selection process is open, consistent, based on clear criteria and methodology. 

2 – Team Selection

To help the selectors to choose the best possible competitive team, selections will be based upon a performance threshold. Any rider wishing to be considered / selected must be within this threshold. Thresholds will be set before the selection races and will be reviewed each year to take account of current riders and previous performances at International Level. 

This year the threshold will be 107%* of winners time for men and 115%* of winners time for women. (E.g. those wishing to be selected must be within these times in 3 out of 4 selection races - organisers will be awarded 2 of their second best results) 

If within the performance threshold the selectors will: 

A. Choose the top 3 placed riders from the selection races - run as a mini league (with 3 results all within the stated %) 

B. Choose up to 3 riders as 'wild cards' who either; 

1. Are young riders (1st yr senior or new to sport) who show, in the minds of the selectors, potential and would benefit from international experience though they may be below the percentage thresholds for selection. 
2. A returning rider with known form/experience who has only been able to compete in some of the selection events (returning from injury/based out of UK etc) 
3. An unknown rider (from foot 'o' for example) who demonstrates potential as in (a) and may benefit from international experience (e.g. a foot 'o' rider who maybe does 1-2 events, is above the percentage threshold) 

C. Choose up to 3 further riders after selection criteria B based on selection race league provided they are performing above the percentage threshold. 

*The performance threshold is considered by the selectors to be the minimum standard required for a UK rider to qualify and compete in the World Champs Long Distance Final 

3 - Selection Races 

The Selectors will nominate a minimum of two MTBO races as Selection Races. 

The selection races will be used to provide the Selectors with performance information for the criteria set out in section 2 above. 

The races will be held early enough for those selected to arrange travel and time off, but late enough to be an accurate gauge of form. These will be at a time and venue convenient to as many potential competitors as possible. They will resemble as close as possible, in style, map type, terrain, and duration, conditions found at international competitions. 

The time interval between the Team Selection being announced and the EOC (if being held) & WOC competitions will depend on where and when the championships are being held. Within 48 hours of the final Selection Race the Selectors will name the teams, and may nominate up to two reserves. 

Attendance at the Selection Races is not necessary to be considered for selection, but the selection criteria in section 2 apply.

However, failure to attend any of the Selection Races will reduce chances of being selected. 

Finishing only one of the Selection Races (including when due to mechanical breakdown) will make it more difficult for the Selectors to compare performance. 

4 - Rider Notification of Availability 

All riders wishing to be considered for the Men's or Women's team should inform the Selectors as early as possible of their interest and availability for the dates of competitions. 

Riders must inform the Selectors by the time of the last Selection Race that they are both available and are willing to travel. 

The selectors may announce earlier dates to confirm availability for selection to ensure team numbers for entry forms can be completed. 

Riders resident abroad are eligible for selection and selectors would need a performance benchmark in order to confirm selection (E.g. World Cup Performance/Resident Country National Champs etc) 

5 - Non eligibility 

The following grounds will preclude any riders from consideration for Team GBR 

A. Failure to comply with any aspect of the BO/BMBO Drug's Policy 

B. Failure to comply with competition rules. 

C. Failure to uphold the spirit of fair competition. 

6 - Injury, Illness and Exceptional Circumstances 

Where a selection race is affected by exceptional circumstances that the selectors deem to impact its suitability for use as a selection race (for instance voiding, cancellation or bad weather), the selectors have the right to place increased weight on the other selection criteria. 

Where an athlete withdraws from a team through injury or illness, if there is a nominated reserve then the reserve will be invited to take that athlete's place wherever possible. 

However, in circumstances where there is no nominated reserve or the selectors believe that the nominated reserve will be unable to prepare properly for the c ompetition in the time available (for instance a non-t ravelling reserve where an athlete withdraws on the day of competition), then the selectors may at their absolute discretion decide: 

A. Not to fill the vacancy in the team. 

B. Fill the vacancy in the team with an available athlete who will be able to prepare properly in the time available (for instance, in short notice cases this may be an athlete already attending the competition). 

7 - Selection Panel 

The Selectors will be appointed by BMBO and will comprise three riders with commitment towards high performance mountain bike orienteering. One member will be nominated Chair. 

The selectors are responsible for implementation of the selection policy, including making all selections in accordance with the published selection policy, and communicating decisions to BMBO. 

The selectors are responsible for carrying out an annual review of the selection policy and recommending changes for approval by BMBO. 

8 - Appeals 

Any rider wishing to lodge an appeal under this Selection Appeals Procedure must be fully familiar with the detailed provisions of the Selection Policy. 

The appeal will be submitted in writing to the Chairman of BMBO within three days of the first publication of Team Selections on the BMBO/BO web sites.

The Chairman will consult with the Selection Panel who will give written details of their decision making process. The sole ground of appeal against the decision of the Selection Panel will be that there has been a failure to follow the Selection Policy. 

The BMBO Committee will decide whether the appeal will be allowed. This will usually be within two weeks of the date of appeal. If allowed, the BMBO Committee will publish revised Team Selections. 

There will be no further right of appeal 

End of Selection Policy