For Athletes Who Want More.
Blueprints For Peak Performance.
Welcome To AO Athletes.
Athlete Optimisation is a world-leading, science-backed MTB coaching philosophy, distilled into two clear pathways: the world’s first truly periodised mountain-bike training programme, and elite, world-class performance coaching.
Built on hands-on experience with UCI mountain-bike teams and some of the best athletes in the world, Athlete Optimisation is underpinned by ongoing applied research at the University of Stirling, focused on understanding the true physiological, mechanical, and psychological demands of Enduro racing.
Train With Us
You get the same framework, the same precision, the same support throughout your time with us, whichever package you choose. It's the science that's already produced World Cup winners and national champions, now built for every rider.
Base Program
Elite Coaching
Performance Program
Want to see who we support at the highest level?
Click below to learn more about the athletes we work with.
Meet Our Athletes
The Lab
The Number of Elite Enduro Athletes.
When it comes to Enduro racing and as long been recognised that these athletes are Fit. But what does the Elite physiology look like? Just how Fit is the modern day enduro Athlete?
The Lab
What Does it Take to Win an Enduro World Cup?
Having coached two athletes to World Cup victory in the 2026 season. There is some evidence to suggest what these athletes did in order to achieve the highest level of achievement in Enduro racing, and some of it might surprise you.
Our Team
Jamie Read MSc
Founder & Head Coach Jamie Read is a performance coach and sports scientist specialising in gravity mountain biking. With years of hands-on experience working with UCI World Cup teams, national champions, and elite Enduro and Downhill athletes, Jamie combines deep physiological expertise with real-world coaching insight. Founder of Athlete Optimisation, he delivers science-backed training systems that help riders push their limits and then redefine them.
Ben Jackson
Head Technical Coach Ben Jackson is a skills coach and racer specialising in gravity mountain biking, with a background competing at domestic, European and World Cup level. He works as both a skills coach and a coach in his own right, teaching riders fitness alongside technical skills. Known for his brilliant mind for detail, he breaks down riding technique with a precision few can match, making him one of the best skills coaches in the UK.
Athlete Reviews
-
![A mountain biker wearing a white helmet and black clothing riding downhill on a rocky trail surrounded by green bushes and trees.]()
The training has been hard especially the intervals! its the perfect balance of gym & bike you would be crazy to miss out!
Lars Bungen
-
![A mountain biker wearing a black helmet with face goggles, white jersey with German flags and logos, and black gloves, riding a mountain bike during a race outdoors.]()
This program is the perfect fit for riders of all levels. Jamie has been an amazing coach, and I look forward to continuing to work with him!
Helen Webber
-
![A mountain biker wearing a helmet and gloves riding on a trail in a forest, jumping off a moss-covered log with a black and orange mountain bike.]()
I love the interval sessions, perfect for anyone looking to dive into some proper training! I’m fitter and stronger on the bike!
Remi Gauvin
-
![Close-up of a man wearing a black motorcycle helmet and a dark jacket, with two smaller images inset: one of two men in motocross gear standing next to a motocross bike, and another showing a natural outdoor scene.]()
It's been awesome to work with Jamie. I really love all of the technical details. The interval sessions are my favourite.
Torben Darch
