EWS racers will benefit from reduced price first aid and CPR training delivered by the fiancé of WILL OLSON, who tragically died on stage three of the EWS in Crested Butte last year aged 40.

Following a year eclipsed in mountain biking deaths, she joined two other mountain bikers to form Backcountry Lifeline with the aim of providing medical training at race events.

The original cost was estimated to be $90-125 per person, however BCLL has now received industry support from Yeti, Maxxis, Specialized, Shimano, and Smith to be able to provide it for just $35 per racer.

Bonnie McDonald, Olson’s fiance, explains: “We began talking to various industry players, and learned that this type of training is important to them too. Everyone kept telling us, ‘This is long overdue, we’d be happy to help’.”

Flynn George, one of her co-founders, said: “BME, EWS, Yeti, Shimano, Specialized, Smith and Maaxis are essentially footing the bill to get riders trained. It’s really pretty awesome. They are industry leaders, leading by example.

“The goal, for BCLL and industry supporters alike, is to get as many riders trained as possible.”

The training will primarily be delivered at round five of the EWS from Aspen Snowmass, Colorado but sessions will also be delivered at other BME events.

For more information about BCLL, trainings, and upcoming events, visit backcountrylifeline.com.