Cycling News

Brage Vestavik: from backyard builds to freeride icon

Brage Vestavik: from backyard builds to freeride icon

Brage Vestavik’s story starts in his childhood backyard, piecing together makeshift bike features from construction scraps. With no local mountain bike scene in his small hometown of Mysen, Norway, young Brage took matters into his own hands, fueled by a desire to replicate the stunts he watched in freeride films. From dirt piles to sketchy planks, it was a DIY playground where he first learned the raw, creative riding style that would later define his career.

Family influence

Growing up, Brage’s parents played a significant role in shaping his path. His father, Arnebjørn was his biggest inspiration. Rather than pushing him into competitive racing, AB nurtured Brage’s creative instincts and encouraged him to explore. Their close bond and shared love for biking helped Brage through tough times, like when a house fire left the family with little. They rebuilt their home and Brage started honing his skills on a tricycle in the dirt-strewn yard before graduating to bigger bikes and bolder features.

From backyard rider to world stage

The shift from playful backyard sessions to professional racing was a shock. Brage’s undeniable talent led him to a contract with Devinci and a spot on a World Cup team. But it wasn’t all smooth sailing—competing on the international stage was a steep learning curve. “It was a smack in the face,” he recalls. But those years in the racing circuit, while challenging, sharpened his skills and gave him the foundation for what was to come. Even then, the urge to return to freeride roots and creative builds never left him.

Crafting his own path

Brage isn’t just a rider; he’s a builder at heart. From the start, it was the thrill of creating something new—whether it was sketchy jumps in the woods or complex North Shore features suspended in trees—that kept him coming back. Influenced by freeride legends like Darren Berrecloth, Brage started building trails inspired by iconic scenes from the films he admired. For him, the act of building and riding is inseparable, a form of expression that goes beyond competition.

The magic of Mysen

Despite his global recognition and a Red Bull sponsorship, Brage’s heart remains in the local trails and sand pits of Mysen. It’s here that he finds his flow, building dream features with friends and working on passion projects. Bringing international riders to his hometown was a surreal experience, highlighting the special mix of terrain and camaraderie that makes his little…

Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at Canadian Cycling Magazine…