Rémy Metailler on MTB Sponsorships, Rampage Risk & Building a Career Through Content

Remy Metailler (French MTB rider based in BC, Canada) discusses how the mountain bike sport remains popular while the industry struggles with high prices, excess stock, discounts, and shrinking marketing budgets that reduce opportunities for athletes and media. He explains why 2024–2025 have been especially tough for contracts, the stress caused by delayed sponsor communication, and why longer (2–3 year) deals matter for stability and performance. Remy describes pro riding as entrepreneurship with constant workload, time-zone pressures, and difficulty switching off, often reducing riding time—especially during contract season. Remy recounts his path from France to Whistler in 2013, early support and first pay in 2014, and growth through trail-bike content and consistent social media. He compares World Cup, urban downhill, and Rampage demands, reflects on Rampage safety debates, shares a gnarliest Utah slab ride, notes regrets like starting YouTube later, and defines success as being proud of what you’ve done.00:00 Intro01:44 Contracts and Budget Crunch08:25 Sponsorship Horror Story10:22 Entrepreneur Life16:42 How Sponsors Scale Work21:39 From France to Whistler29:52 Turning point32:25 Social Media 34:52 Racing Background 41:34 World Cup Speed Is Different45:49 Urban Downhill 49:20 Rampage Versus Racing53:37 Rampage Safety 01:11:45 Gnarliest Forbidden Line01:15:51 Regrets 01:19:38 Sponsorship Value 01:23:36 Life After Riding01:24:22 Defining SuccessWatch on Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DAP6gUL-AwsFollow Rémy:https://www.instagram.com/remymetailler/Follow me:https://linktr.ee/stefangarlicki74