| Summary: | One of the major factors contributing to success in mountain bike racing is the demonstration of exceptional skills while navigating the track. This research was carried out to measure and compare the riding skills of mountain bikers, especially on a real trail simulation that incorporated various technical elements within the track. The comparison of riding skills in real simulation trails was conducted between the skilled (men’s junior) and less-skilled (men’s youth) riders among the local mountain bike association. Ten (n = 10) male mountain bike athletes were separated into two groups: skilled (under 21 years old) (n = 5) and less-skilled (under 16 years old) (n = 5) groups for field data collection at Putrajaya Challenge Park (PCP). Action cameras (GoPro) were mounted on the athletes' chests and used to analyze trail riding skills, such as shifting gears, climbing, descending, cornering, and braking, while bike computers (Garmin) were used for data collection on average and maximum speed. In one loop of the PCP track, all participants rode the blue, green, and red trails for three kilometers. Skilled-cyclist categories significantly scored higher (p < 0.05) than those less skilled during climbing, descending, cornering, and braking in mountain bike performance skills. These findings can be useful for mountain bike coaches to implement better training experiences for their athletes in improving mountain bike riding skills. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2024.
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