14Feb/101
How can I become a professional downhill mountain bike racer?
I am already an avid cross country mountain biker.
Is making the transition to downhill racing hard if your already a cross country rider?
What are the steps to becoming pro?
Do I have to register with some organization?
How long will it take?
Best Answer:
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February 14th, 2010 - 10:54
First, get results that will attract attention and get your name in the spotlight. Downhill is totally different than xc riding in about a hundred ways, so you’ll need to learn how to do it safely and…fast. Start winning races and getting podium finishes and pay attention to your times…..then compare them to the times of other pro racers and champions. Lots of people kick the crap out of local competition and then get their butts handed to them when they compete at national events…..you really get to see how hard the competition is! If you’re successful and have the cash to travel around the country to races for a few years, then maybe someone will pick you up on their team. A few companies are doing entry-level grassroots programs, too, so you might check into those.
http://www.sponsorhouse.com is another option where you can post a profile and see if anyone comes knocking. But you have to start with race results. You might visit the websites of bike companies you’re interested in…..most of them have links (or FAQ’s answers) to their sponsorship requirements and/or application forms.
There’s a bunch more to it, but I’m not an expert on it by any means. I guess one other very important aspect that you should keep in mind is that sponsors want you to represent them in the best light that they prefer. Being professional, friendly, focused, and results-oriented will go a long way to being wanted. There are people who are GREAT racers with hella skills, but nobody would want them as a company representative because of their crappy attitudes and/or questionable public behavior.
As for how long, nobody can tell you. I mean, you have to develop your skills and results, and that takes time. You could luck out and get some small level of sponsorship right off the bat, or you could be fighting courses for several years before someone chooses you or has an opening.