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 Intro
01:44 Contracts and Budget Crunch
08:25 Sponsorship Horror Story
10:22 Entrepreneur Life
16:42 How Sponsors Scale Work
21:39 From France to Whistler
29:52 Turning point
32:25 Social Media 
34:52 Racing Background 
41:34 World Cup Speed Is Different
45:49 Urban Downhill 
49:20 Rampage Versus Racing
53:37 Rampage Safety 
01:11:45 Gnarliest Forbidden Line
01:15:51 Regrets 
01:19:38 Sponsorship Value 
01:23:36 Life After Riding
01:24:22 Defining Success

Watch on Youtube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DAP6gUL-Aws

Follow Rémy:

https://www.instagram.com/remymetailler/

Follow me:
https://linktr.ee/stefangarlicki74