Casting Call: Apply Now for the 2020 Pinkbike Academy - Pro Contract & $25K Grand Prize

Mar 18, 2020
by Pinkbike Originals  


Apply Now for the 2020
PINKBIKE ACADEMY
PRESENTED BY SHIMANO


10 Riders. 2 Weeks. 1 Pro Contract + $25k




There are so many incredible enduro riders out there struggling to break through on their skill and potential alone. We want to change that, so for 2020 we've created the Pinkbike Academy presented by Shimano.

We are choosing 10 riders, five men and five women, from around the world to travel to BC this summer to battle it out against each other in a series of riding-related challenges. Riders will be eliminated through a series of challenges as the 10-part series progresses, and the winner will come away with a Pro Contract from Orbea as well as a $25,000 Grand Prize!

We're excited to produce our first reality show and introduce the world to a whole new wave of riders.





Want in?

The show will be judged by some well-known industry insiders and pros, but the riders we select for the Academy will need more than just speed and fitness to take the win. Do you have the style, personality, and perseverance to make it through?

This could be your opportunity to make some real money riding your bike. Not just free product and small travel budget, but a proper chance at a professional contract and the incredible support that comes with it.


Apply Now

We are seeking to cast five men and five women aged 19-39 from around the world who are available to travel to British Columbia (exact dates to be confirmed, we are monitoring the Covid-19 pandemic closely). If you're selected for the 2020 Pinkbike Academy we will handle all your travel and accommodation costs. That's right, at the very least you'll get a free trip to British Columbia, an incredible experience, and some great swag. The winner of the show will receive a Pro Contract with Orbea as well as the $25,000 Grand Prize.

Please note: it will be a level playing field and all participants will be riding bikes and kit provided by the sponsors who have made this project possible.

Step 1: Film a 1–5 minute video showcasing your riding and explaining why we should choose you. Show us what your day-to-day looks like, what your secret skills are, etc. Bonus points for creativity. The best videos will help you stand out as a unique candidate for the show.

Step 2: Complete the entry form here.

We can't wait to hear from you and to get this project rolling.

Applications must be received by Friday, May 1st




Huge thanks to the brands who made this show possible!
Shimano, Orbea, Fox Racing, Fox Factory, GoPro, Garmin,
Pro Bike Gear, Maxxis, Stan's NoTubes and Ride Concepts.

Eligibility requirements and online agreement and release can be found in the application.




Posted In:
Contests and Deals Pinkbike Academy Fox Clothing Fox Factory GoPro Maxxis Orbea Shimano Garmin Ride Concepts Stans Sponsored Enduro Racing


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207 Comments

  • 398 6
 This is your big break @WAKIdesigns !
  • 191 18
 I’m in!
  • 56 109
flag ostia (Mar 11, 2020 at 9:33) (Below Threshold)
 Is this "from around the world" thing including Wuhan, China?
  • 32 1
 @WAKIdesigns: Chance to huck to flat on a Blur in front of the whole Pinkbike community. Dreams really do come true. I'll send an architect to Gothenburg (or may Fiji now) to cover your duties at "work."
  • 59 0
 Hold on! You want us to actually ride a bike and not just read or comment about them. I'm gonna have to think about this for a while and consult my meteorologist.
  • 20 9
 @trails801: task nr #5 gain 100 upvotes within 24h.
  • 6 0
 @brianpark: Exactly what I was thinking. Open to five guys and five women? Nope. Make that four guys... One spot is already taken.
  • 6 3
 @ostia: To soon
  • 21 0
 @TheR: 5 guys? Now i'm craving burgers
  • 6 2
 Ageism
  • 15 0
 I'm not even close to being a pro rider but this is so exciting and for Pinkbike and to all the sponsors to give a chance to those that want to make a name in the industry! Absolutely love this idea!! Stoked to see what type of challenges the riders will face!!
  • 5 4
 @gypsyonwheels: Challenges yes... racing Mike Levy on Mount Seymour... you in shuttle truck, him on Grim donut. Effectively, you will be his shuttle bxtch. Then change of roles. You on his Brodie, him in his Mini
  • 3 0
 @WAKIdesigns We are rooting for you.
  • 10 0
 @theenduromoose: i wanted to applly but this video threw me a bit of balance. Ot requires to have a real life friend to film me...
  • 2 0
 Ageist criteria right there!
  • 1 0
 @endlessblockades: if you're a 15 year old who is sad about this then please stop, now much more realistically if you're over the age 39 i don't really know tbh
  • 288 14
 all the guys but one get eliminated. Then all the girls fall in love with the one guy left. They start going on dates and doing wild and ridiculous things to win his love. At the end he chooses one girl. Spoiler it’s his bike.

That’s my take on what’s going to happen with a Pinkbike reality show.
  • 139 2
 @jasonlucas write that down! write that down!
  • 48 93
flag lou-talks-mtb (Mar 11, 2020 at 9:28) (Below Threshold)
 @brianpark: he just did - he turned it into a post - the one you replied to. . ... .
  • 14 38
flag callumreynolds (Mar 11, 2020 at 9:59) (Below Threshold)
 @Luis-Sc: fair comment...not sure why he got upvotes and you got downvotes but it's a funny old world we live in...
  • 42 7
 @theunknowncustodian: I think we should argue about this
  • 6 19
flag lou-talks-mtb (Mar 11, 2020 at 10:14) (Below Threshold)
 @theunknowncustodian: @theunknowncustodian: I think it’s just a popularity contest, wrapped around my weird humour. . .. ... doesn’t phase me .. ..
  • 24 0
 Dirtbag bachelorette
  • 16 0
 @Luis-Sc: Jason Lucas is one of the leads of Pinkbike video production, he is not the OP Brian responded to.
  • 9 3
 @bruvar: totally missed that Big Grin
  • 5 0
 @brianpark: Que music, pan to sunset, fade to black.
  • 3 1
 "Props already given."
  • 1 0
 What the hell happened here...
  • 175 12
 I've replied back to several casting calls in my life and they always end up with my butt hurting afterwards. Not this time, Pinkbike, not this time.
  • 76 3
 Trying to break into porn is a long road, but you'll get there. You're gonna get cast as the catcher for a while, but once you land a few roles, you'll get your shot at being pitcher. Relax.
  • 23 1
 You know what they say, you catch more bees with honey but you'll catch a lot more D's with desperation.
  • 17 0
 @blowmyfuse: Your name is entirely appropriate for this comment.
  • 10 3
 @Kiotae: Best advice ever - "Find your lane...and stay in it." Dead Horse
  • 1 0
 So "casting bike" ads should be taken cautiously ?
  • 1 0
 @nyhc00: thanks for warning us
  • 105 0
 "We've all wondered what it's like to be a professional mountain biker. To get paid to travel the world and ride the best destinations..." 95% of professional mountain bikers wonder this too. Smile
  • 8 0
 Yup, bc theyre stuck to the race program.
  • 2 1
 That is thoroughly ironic
  • 59 0
 I'm slow, not talented, not sociable, and have a very boring day to day life, but sign me up!
  • 6 0
 Ditto so there's absolutely no point in me signing up.
  • 24 6
 I am slow, extremely irritating, entitled, narcissistic and join forums where they talk about breath work, alchemy and advise using colonic capsules and pee drinking for intake of fly agaric mushrooms...
  • 5 1
 @WAKIdesigns: Alchemists and psyconauts unite.
  • 4 5
 @zaalrottunda: you whacky people keep your amanita capsules and tinctures to yourself, just did a heavy dose of Panthers and I am considering binning the remaining ones...
  • 5 0
 If they’re looking for slow, untalented, anti-social then I’d like to throw my hat into the ring, I’d also be able to add that I’m very lazy, immature, unattractive and a real a*shole...and I rarely ride my bike.
  • 1 0
 @WAKIdesigns: not sure what panthers are but san pedro and lucy are the greatest of companions.
  • 53 2
 winner gets to review the grim doughnut
  • 8 0
 WHERE IS IT???
  • 20 0
 @RedBurn: they realized it's actually too good. They're working on copyrights and mass production now
  • 5 1
 @chadtague1: I've heard Specialized sued cause they have the copyright of the word 'donut' in Canada
  • 37 2
 why the age cap at 39??? Man!
  • 19 1
 For some flipping reason, I get AARP Magazine and literally yesterday it came with the cover article being about age discrimination in the workplace & how they can help.

I say we call AARP's attorneys and force our way in. Pimp
  • 4 0
 Asking the real questions here.
  • 19 0
 No doubt! I'm 45 and hoping to make pro by 50... Wink
  • 4 0
 No love for the Masters.
  • 1 0
 Well, you can't ride Bebop pedals, either.
  • 14 0
 I finally get old enough to get a real job that actually pays me enough to buy a decent bike and a racing career, the opportunity to finally get a pro deal pops up and I'm too old. Back to racing for TEAM: ME. Let me tell you Pinkbike.. You blew it! Bad. Because I rip.
  • 6 0
 There's no more drama after 39 . . . Pb's gotta get them views
  • 2 0
 @davec113: DH is a game of attrition.
  • 1 0
 @blowmyfuse: if attrition is another word for attempting suicide then absolutely
  • 34 2
 Props to Pinkbike and Shimano, this is awesome.
  • 2 2
 Let's wait and see...could be a great or not so great. Depends on editing really.
  • 2 0
 Of course riding bikes for $ is great tho lol
  • 1 0
 @jrocksdh: I just meant giving the average joe/jane an opportunity to step their game up.
  • 6 3
 Let me guess...it’ll end up being 10 people who are already racing in the pros...
  • 11 1
 @unrooted: the goal is to have 10 rad, talented riders who are on the cusp, but who need the help to "make it". Because we're requiring a level playing field and everyone is riding the series' sponsors' bikes and kit, it'll likely weed out the more fully supported "pros" out there who don't need the help.
  • 1 0
 @unrooted: hope not, I applied ????
  • 25 0
 Ultimate Freeride Challenge all over again if anyone remembers i think Sorge won $25k and a race face deal as a little grom. This should be good.
  • 17 1
 The highest compliment. Wayne Goss and Trond Hansen were so sick in that.
  • 6 0
 @brianpark: legendary contest
  • 3 0
 @brianpark: don’t forget Cam Mc Caul ;-) and super T
  • 2 0
 @brianpark: even if I think mc caul never won, it also brought Matt Hunter
  • 5 0
 NSMB Airprentice was also a similar concept, first one I think was 2007. I remember it being very fun to watch.
  • 21 0
 My typical day consists of waking up. Going on Pinkbike. Poop. Go on PB..go to work. Go on PB. 30 mins later, refresh, repeat. Go home. Ride or workout. Go on Pinkbike. Poop. Sleep.
  • 18 0
 I.B.S. is debilitating huh?
  • 18 0
 Damn why Netflix hasn’t come up with a show like this!! Shout to pinkbike for being a game changer
  • 18 1
 Casting call? If there’s a couch involved count me in.
  • 1 2
 I can spice things up on the show without even using the couch. I'll sleep in my car-- just let me use the shower, shitter and kitchen periodically.
  • 11 0
 @brianpark is there a way to read the Ts & Cs before completing the whole application? I work for one of the sponsors...so I assume that precludes me from entering. But I also can't check because I have to complete the whole thing first.
  • 14 2
 The Real World Squamish. Sponsored by the Grim Donut.
  • 11 0
 If anyone UK/Ireland based wants to collab on shooting their application video hit me up!

IG: @LiamMoscrop or DM on PB
  • 12 3
 Am the only one who really feels like this should result in 2 winners? I male, 1 female? Maybe knock the backing down to $10K and give each pro support?
  • 10 1
 We thought about it, but we're excited to be offering up a more significant prize as well as the Orbea contract instead. This is about finding the next rider to blow up in enduro, and there's no reason to not have men and women competing for it together.
  • 2 2
 I think it will be great to watch but I would prefer to see one male and one female win. Also why is it just targeting enduro riders and not other disciplines in the sport?@brianpark:
  • 10 0
 @kelux: it has the most participant appeal, brings in riders from different disciplines, and is relatable for audiences outside of core MTB fans. Also it’s sick.
  • 1 1
 @brianpark:
  • 10 0
 Next year.. Masters Version ;p
  • 10 0
 they should do a similar contest but for the trolls in the comment section
  • 2 0
 That already exists, see the number on your comment?
  • 10 1
 canceled due to corona Frown
  • 25 0
 Cancelled due to too many coronas
  • 6 0
 @l8igz: i think we've all been there haha
  • 1 0
 @stflood: I am from the future (except i felt like waiting a bit) it's not canceled they're setting the course up at the moment
  • 7 0
 Paging long lost @Protour. Limited travel as you're already in Vancouver. Show us how a suspension is supposed to be set up and how it should be ridden.
  • 9 0
 Pinkbike, you struck gold! This will be rad!!
  • 8 0
 THIS SOUNDS LIKE the TV show DROP IN 2.0!
  • 7 0
 I was born 15 years to early for this sport.
  • 1 0
 yup. all of those crap bikes comparatively from the 90's and early 2000's.
  • 2 0
 @MattyBoyR6: hey, I still have my Univega Alpina Pro from the early or mid eighties. Sadly, I’m old enough I don’t remember exactly when I got it, but it was the shit back then!
  • 5 0
 Sick! I'm gonna go right ahead and film my riding !!!Oh wait... There's still tons of snow outside... Best of luck to everyone! Smile
  • 1 0
 Its all about creativity Razz
  • 5 0
 If you're the first eliminated, do you get to stick around and ride for the rest of the two weeks. You know, to prevent the results leaking and all that.
  • 12 0
 Yep you got it. You'll still get to stick around, ride prime trails, and have a good time.
  • 7 0
 Pinkbike goes reality-TV. AMAZING!
  • 6 0
 Win $25K and instantly make more money than you will once you turn pro.
  • 3 0
 Not in this case. Smile
  • 3 0
 Great comp, will entrants be forced to ride 29er's or allowed to use midget wheels?

If only I wasn't horrendously unfit and married with kids, actually... would love a two week holiday on my own!
  • 5 0
 Coronavirus: well yes but actually no
  • 5 0
 do you need to be a good rider?
  • 5 2
 Yes.
  • 6 0
 @brianpark: I guess Im out then.
  • 5 0
 Yeah but will there be a fantasy league?
  • 2 0
 Pick one and be a dikc about it
  • 6 1
 Plot Twist: Everyone's riding a grim donut.
  • 1 0
 Doesnt anyone else find it interesting that Orbea and the rest of the sponsor list is interested in sponsoring an unknown over, say Thomas Lapeyrie. In a day and age when the number of Instagram followers is just as important as results, if not more.
  • 1 0
 Still looking at April 3rd deadline with the COVID situation? I know a lot of folks can’t leave their homes and a lot of us like don’t normally film themselves so we’re having to go out to get footage and that’s getting harder as the disease spreads. I’d appreciate an extra week or two...
  • 5 1
 i can ride 26, 27.5 and 29ers
  • 4 1
 This is pretty awesome, indeed. Too bad I'm farty years old (almost farty-one). Waiver?
  • 5 2
 The winner is purely based on speed right? I'm not even going to enter, Waki will take this easily...
  • 4 1
 What discrimination... I'm reaching my 42yo... can I enter using my metabolic age of 27?
  • 4 1
 Record all their movements??? Please don't record their bowel movements. PLEASE!!!
  • 1 0
 damn !!! what a BAD timing... most of the European countries have (or will have in next few days) full LOCKDOWN and quarantine. it's FORBIDDEN (under a fine) to leave your home ....
  • 1 0
 What about the current global pandemic? How are we supposed to get anything together in a short time? Everyone is in lockdown, a day in my life is my house and a trip to Woolworths and then the bottle shop!
  • 1 0
 Very excited for this yewww! I'm treating it as a dream job interview. Huge goals will be accomplished. can't wait to be a part of this regardless. Thanks sponsors! This is a huge opportunity!
  • 2 1
 Wait, Pinkbike wants us to watch reality television now?!

Please, mountain bikers, don't fall for this! The Real World needs to stay a memory in my past!
  • 1 0
 One truly great thing came of that show & that is Theo Von's stand up & YouTube clips. I'll take that.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=AwgV9df7BpQ
  • 3 0
 RC retires,,,and here we are.
  • 2 0
 As long as this will be filmed it will be a blockbuster like "The Privateer". Looking forward to watch it!
  • 3 0
 Ok this is gonna be pretty fun to watch.
  • 3 0
 Corona cancellation announcement in 3...2...1...
  • 3 0
 Big Brother Canada...... Bru addition!
  • 2 0
 People can't get out due government measures to prevent Corona... Will the time cap be elongated??
  • 1 0
 so are you guys still gonna do this with the corona outbreak, i wanted to put tgether a montage, but my bike is stuck at a bike shop for maintenance and its closed -_-
  • 3 0
 @iggzdaloc
  • 2 0
 Too washed up to give'r these days aye
  • 1 0
 @iggzdaloc: doubt it
  • 2 0
 I wish they could do this for younger crowds
  • 2 1
 tough entry deadline for those of us who live in places that are still covered in snow!
  • 8 3
 get creative!
  • 1 0
 @sarahlukas: i.e. pack your bags
  • 11 1
 @klondike08: Or use footage from last year and tell us about yourself. Or get out the tiger torch. Or do it all in Linerider with a voiceover and your Roots & Rain results. Lots of ideas out there, we're not looking for people who just see barriers!
  • 1 1
 @brianpark: I see only challenges and opportunities.
  • 2 0
 @brianpark , will this be a recurring thing? Turn 19 just after this. Smile
  • 2 0
 At 45 I swear I'm not to old I can do this
  • 2 0
 ALL ABOARD THE INEVITABLE TRAIN WRECK! CHOOOO CHOOOOO
  • 2 0
 I also would like to see this with a bunch of new riders....
  • 2 0
 Id like to see one for sub-18 year olds. Give the groms a go!
  • 1 0
 O my god, but what about the corona virus?
We shouldn't be putting these people together in one house?
  • 15 1
 Everyone will get injected with Measels vaccine to get autism.
  • 1 0
 @WAKIdesigns: it's not a vaccine it's poison, it's filled with "something unproven and probably not even dangerous in such small doses" my healthy child got one and now she has a horrible cold (it's really just a mild cold that lasted like 3 days) etc etc...
  • 2 0
 Looks like Adam (aka The Privateer) is out of a job....
  • 4 0
 Im hoping Adam enters and wins
  • 1 0
 @mtmc99: That would be AMAZING!!!
  • 1 0
 Wow!!!! The Grim Donut, then now Pinkbike Academy. Cutting RC salary gave Pinkbike such a big headroom!
  • 1 0
 Comments on point! Loads of laughs to come while we all self-quarantine to our local trails....
  • 1 0
 So...only for enduro id assume? Just considering orbea doesn't make a DH bike.
  • 1 0
 Orbea, wanted to try that bike but the review makes me move to another brand. Hope they dont break easy.
  • 1 0
 Anyone know when the results will be released for this thing? Super excited!!!
  • 5 5
 why does being and actor/film producer/editor give bonus points? this is an mtb show/competition not film school.
  • 38 1
 Because being a professional athlete in 2020 means doing more than just your sport, and there's already a competition out there to determine the fastest bike rider. Smile
  • 2 2
 @brianpark: Yes, I suppose im being rhetorical.

I suppose the real question is: whats included in the contract?
  • 19 3
 @jaycubzz: Probably won’t include you.

No need to respond, just being rhetorical.
  • 3 2
 @ninjatarian: oof ouch you really got me. however i asked what would be included, not excluded. thanks though
  • 7 6
 I'm past 39, but I will ride the wheels off an E-bike?!!
  • 15 11
 *motorcycle
Fixed it for you
  • 3 4
 I think PB used my idea to make a series of people competing to become the next Privateer. I posted it in the comments. Do I get some monetary kickbacks?
  • 4 4
 It is to soon to propose Thomas Lapeyrie or Becky Cook? Big Grin

downvote me all you want Smile
  • 2 0
 The Privateer 2.0
  • 1 0
 Sign me up as 'Waterboy"!!
  • 1 0
 Hold my Corona...
Can I bring too wide a handle bar as well ?
  • 1 0
 Did I miss the xmas winners
  • 1 0
 I'm too old! Smile Would be fun though, still applying....
  • 1 0
 Thanks but too old for that. Anyone knows any time machine?
  • 1 0
 @WAKIdesigns: They see assets and liabilities
  • 2 1
 I feel this should be open for a younger age group..
  • 1 0
 @l8igz: yeah, because 15 year olds would definitely spend 25k responsibly...
  • 1 0
 Pinkbike reality TV,, What else is going to happen in this house??
  • 1 0
 What about the "Masters of the Universe" 40+ edition?
  • 1 0
 if only I wasn't a fucking potato with a nice bike...
  • 1 0
 Can I use a proxy for the riding portion?
  • 1 0
 @brianpark is this still going ahead?
  • 1 0
 @l8igz: i'm not brian park but my incredibly original username also starts with a B
Yes it is, at big white bikepark
  • 1 0
 is this strictly to enduro riders only?
  • 1 0
 Is this still happening/applicable with the mayhem in the world?
  • 1 0
 Vas-y @youyou97354! Tu as tes chances???? ce serait ça l'event
  • 1 0
 Vas-y @youyou973, tu as tes chances! Ce serait ça notre event????
  • 1 0
 Do it like "the last one without broken bones wins"
  • 1 0
 I just turned 40.. BOOO
  • 1 0
 dfgagfafg
  • 1 0
 Covfefe! Oh, wait, wrong thread. I’ll show myself out. Besides, it’s tapioca night at the retirement home!
  • 1 0
 "Chasing the Corona"
  • 2 4
 I'm so in! Oh wait, if I win I have to deal with Orbea. Fuck that, it just isn't worth it, I'd rather actually ride my bike. Ask me how I know.
  • 4 2
 how do you know? lol
  • 1 0
 @monkeybizz: two warranty claims in about two years for the same cracked chainstay weld with both of them taking over a month of fighting to get taken care of. Hell I'm still trying to get back on my bike and I've had it's for over a week: First the bearings were pressed in too far and the shock was not mountable because of this and on top of that they put a quick release dropout on a 7k enduro bike so I can't even put my rear wheel back on until they send me a new dropout. All with almost no support from Orbea themselves.
  • 1 0
 @lifeofloon: sounds pretty shitty man, you would think the people working at bike companies would want their customers to actually ride their bikes :/
  • 1 0
 @lifeofloon: pretty sure the US support is garbage. I’m not sure it’s global to be fair. Are they still based out of Arkansas?
  • 2 0
 @speed10: it certainly is. Their warranty guy has ignored emails and shown no interest in helping out. I finally got a hold of their southeast rep, I live in the northeast, and he's the only one that has actively helped me through this most recent issue. The 2015 Rallon is one of the best bikes I've ever ridden but I'll be damned if I ever deal with them in the future because of these issues and how they've been handled.
  • 2 0
 @lifeofloon: that’s interesting- I had a 2014 rallon and getting the 12x142 dropouts was impossible. They took almost 2 months. Between that and supporting bkxc, I’m pretty much 100 done with them. I hope they get it sorted.
  • 1 0
 @speed10: yeah at this point with covid I've resigned to the fact that I will never get this bike rideable again.
  • 1 0
 i love casting...
  • 1 0
 Legit reality MTBTV.
  • 1 2
 Pinkbike beshat itself with ebike content.
  • 2 4
 They better have more personality than "The Privateer"
  • 1 0
 Oh they will????
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