Video: Let The Racing Begin - Pinkbike Academy Season 2 EP 1

Oct 24, 2021
by Pinkbike Originals  

Also available on YouTube
Watch the full race runs from episode 1 here.


PINKBIKE ACADEMY
PRESENTED BY

SEASON 2, EPISODE 1



Ten up and coming professional mountain bikers arrive at Pinkbike Academy for ten weeks of racing, fitness, and skill testing challenges. The riders drop into their first challenge of the season: a one stage race from the top of Big White to the bottom.


Pinkbike Academy Season 2

Pinkbike Academy Season 2
Pinkbike Academy Season 2


Pinkbike Academy Season 2

Pinkbike Academy Season 2


Pinkbike Academy Season 2





Pinkbike Academy Season 2 is available on all of your devices through the Outside app or website, as well as on the Pinkbike YouTube channel.








Official Location Partner of Pinkbike Academy @bikebigwhite

Huge thanks to the brands who made this show possible!
Monster Hydro, Orbea, Shimano, Fox Racing, Fox Factory, Maxxis, Garmin,
Funn, Ride Concepts, Hyperice, Big White, Trailforks, ODI, WPL, and Granite.


Posted In:
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159 Comments

  • 144 5
 Guilty pleasure time... But instead of fat pants and ice cream I curl up on the couch in Lycra with a pile of honey stinger waffles.
  • 141 6
 Don't forget the non-alchoholic beer! Be safe be well, Incognito Robin
  • 27 2
 @notoutsideceo: Hold on... you look familiar... have we seen you somewhere before? Those glasses, nose and moustache look like they could be a disguise...
  • 23 1
 @bigtim: he is not the ceo you are looking for
  • 133 2
 I'll watch it, but ONLY so I can COMPLAIN in the comments.
  • 10 0
 I just read that with you saying that in your normal voice, but then randomly shouting just the words in caps. I need to get out more.
  • 38 0
 Please, the way of Pinkbike is to NOT watch then complain in the comments anyway!
  • 25 0
 First episode and not one tire changing competition.....sus
  • 2 6
flag lkubica (Oct 22, 2021 at 4:59) (Below Threshold)
 @4thflowkage: Does it count when you try to watch it, get totally bored by too much talking (so that you watch like 25%) and then complain?
  • 68 0
 Flo is a beast!
Everybody here hailed Evan for finishing 14th in Ews,
She 's been 6th.
And Pinkbike knows her already.
m.pinkbike.com/u/elyari/blog/flo-espineira-fastest-enduro-rider-in-south-america.html
  • 25 0
 Everybody knows her in EWS circuit.. not a regular, but always a threat. She would annihilate the field in chile, including andes pacifico,
  • 16 1
 @Lagr1980:
Unbeatable, it seem s from the article.
How is she not in a (spanish) team already.
Yes, Orbea, that is you I'm looking at.
  • 27 2
 @Der-Kaiser: quality riders, especially on the womens side, not having sponsorships has been an issue with EWS. Its absolutely wild that someone capable of finishing n the top 10 has to ride as a privateer.
  • 23 0
 @Der-Kaiser: I'm sure South American riders especially have a harder time breaking through compared to North Americans, Europeans and Aussies/NZ. Glad Pinkbike is showcasing two such riders this season (I know Mexico is technically North America, but still).
  • 6 0
 Ya She's the Ringer here and if she wins then it would be great to get that sponsorship. Would be fitting if one of the women won it this season.
  • 8 13
flag Lagr1980 (Oct 21, 2021 at 22:05) (Below Threshold)
 @Three6ty: what I dont understand, it that you are giving this opportunity to people close or at their 30s…. Seems weird
  • 1 0
 @withdignityifnotalacrity:
Agree 100%
  • 13 1
 @mtmc99: Look at what Katy Winton had/s to go through to get a ride and she's a proven EWS podium-ing veteran.
It's mad
  • 9 2
 @Lagr1980: its clearly obvious that they focused on including a more diverse cast, which I think is great. And also with more lax Covid restrictions , they targeted riders from other countries, which is cool as well.
There are thousands of riders out there that are faster than some of these guys and gals, but this is basically a reality TV show, so they chose people that represent our Diverse world
  • 111 45
 I'd rather my dad caught me watching porn than this tbh
  • 4 23
flag buk50 (Oct 21, 2021 at 9:31) (Below Threshold)
 did you pay the Outsider fee to watch?
  • 41 5
 @Bangbrosbike: I'd rather chop my balls off
  • 28 3
 @youann217o: go on then
  • 28 2
 Damit Billy! This is your Dad, quit watching that smut and watch PinkBike academy you numb skull!!
  • 21 0
 @youann217o what would you rather catch your dad watching?
  • 24 1
 @specialized499: your mum
  • 7 1
 Would be a shame if you two didn’t finish together
  • 6 1
 be fair, we know you have porn open on one screen, and this on the other.
  • 56 0
 All those Monsters and not one pair of white Oakley Gascans.
  • 46 0
 Hey I recognize the secret pros. Aren't they the European dudes from that Commencal edit with the horses and the BMWs?
  • 12 20
flag Michael-co (Oct 21, 2021 at 15:50) (Below Threshold)
 The secret riders are one female and one male. Probably gully and Christina
  • 5 0
 Bas and Vaea? They live down the road. Tom? He built the park.
  • 42 0
 They should all be on Grim Donuts
  • 2 0
 Yes bud
  • 30 0
 Thoroughly enjoyed that! Looking forward to more riding this season - will be interested to see how you keep it engaging, especially on the women's side since Flo looks a big step above the rest at the outset.

On the downside, I did think it was a bit too slopestyle, and #SomeoneGotRobbed, but I'll be back for the next one.
  • 36 5
 What is the point of having Addison back without his better half? The people want Vlad!
  • 29 1
 Holy Fuck did they manage to get sponsors on board with this one. Every last thread hanging from someone's shorts has it's own sponsor. Took Jason a whole minute just to get through the list of sponsors.
  • 27 1
 I watched the intro, honestly looks less cringe-core than last year, more riding... but it started with a car tire commercial...gulp
  • 4 2
 If last season was more cringe than this then damn
  • 15 0
 More bike riding in the first episode this season than in all the episodes from the previous season combined.
  • 9 0
 May I introduce you to our lord and saviour, adblock?

But also this was sooo much better than the first season!
  • 21 0
 I’m enjoying it. What can’t MTB be fun?
  • 17 0
 Pretty stoked for this season! Glad they upped the level for the lady riders. Personalities seem a little more subdued this year, but hopefully they'll open up a bit as things get moving. Loving the racing format!
  • 14 1
 Finally, a reality show that I can relate to.

(But who's secretly getting married in the end? And what's the scandalous source of entertainment going to be?)
  • 6 19
flag Lagr1980 (Oct 22, 2021 at 10:38) (Below Threshold)
 transgender move mid season ; )
  • 14 2
 I'm thinking the pro racers are christina and gully, one male, one female, gully rides for orbea anyway, didnt christina race pro?
  • 11 0
 lol this was my guess as well. That or Evan is back and racing in all black
  • 5 0
 @mtmc99: that, and Christina mentioned that one of the rider’s times was close to her own.
  • 8 1
 Yoann "Tripleballs" Barelli is my guess!
  • 5 1
 Gully stated he climbed with the group and was at the start. The pros were already on track during send off meeting.

Also I’m sure anyone could deduce the “have you ever seen Gully or Christina I’m the same room with a secret pro?”
  • 5 1
 Female secret pro rides left foot forward, so does Christina. Her build and proportions are similar. We’d have to see ride footage to really be able to see the style and body movements to get a better guess.

Someone else suggested Vaea (also left foot forward). Another post suggested Georgia Astle but she rides right foot forward.
  • 11 0
 A good tip for brake levers is to put Thread Tape around the bars under the clamp, You can tighten them a bit more and they still move on impact, plus the bars don't get etched.
  • 2 0
 Like teflon tape for pipe threads? Ive never heard of this before!
  • 2 0
 I would worry about doing that since Teflon tape is effectively lubricant. That means to get adequate tension to keep the brake from slipping you need the bolt tighter and more clamping force. With carbon bars you want the minimum clamping force since carbon doesn't handle compression well. Doesn't seem worth it. Although I ride alloy bars always to avoid worrying about carbon at all.
  • 3 0
 @Basketcase889: it's an old moto trick. It can work well with the right bar/brake combo.
  • 13 0
 Jason when are you going to start hosting the bachelor?
  • 12 0
 My guess on secret pros: Georgia Astle and Matt Beer
  • 13 1
 Drink every time Chapetta says “body battery.”
  • 10 2
 I know all these riders would drop me in a minute and this show is exited for maximum drama, but is the kid from Mexico (Israel?) sand bagging. In one race clip he looked like he was chasing after a butterfly off trail. Also Geoff and Christina - you guys are awesome and have so much personality- why so serious? Finally when someone gets eliminated can we get a “You’re Fired” instead of “You’ve been eliminated”. It’s how I’d like remember 45 - lame, annoyingly funny and powerless. Looking forward to Ep 2.
  • 11 3
 Dammit.
A BTS show of a very limited race series is way less fun than goofball challenges.
Looks like I’m in the minority with that opinion though…which actually makes me feel better about myself!
  • 1 0
 I see the same issue. This first episode put too many cards on the table! The first five contestants to leave are pretty obvious now, so I’m not sure how the show will keep up the mystery for the next five episodes.

With non-race based challenges isn’t the first season, it felt like we could get to know more riders without immediately knowing they don’t stand a chance of making it to the final episodes.

But let’s see. I quite enjoyed the behind the scenes aspect.
  • 1 0
 @lukeburrage: yeah I love me some BTS but if it’s strictly racing it’s already semifinals
  • 10 0
 too early to say it'll be between Emmet and Flo?
  • 6 0
 Not too early at all. I'm betting on Flo
  • 8 1
 Isn't Flo already a privateer on the EWS circuit? Seems like she's going to destroy every one else as she's already had some high placements.
  • 8 0
 Lots of experience in the UK mud: Not going to help you in Kelowna over this past summer!
  • 4 0
 Times are pretty close to the pro's assuming the pro's know the course, familiar with their Orbea's and are currently racing?

Or are they not riding for Orbea and not familiar with their ride set-ups etc? When was this filmed and who was in town? Let the sleuthing begin!
  • 3 0
 This was what I was wondering.

Are the pros also racing blind, or do they have a homecourt advantage?

Also, how far away in time from the contestants runs did they do theirs? Same day? Conditions could change pretty quickly, in a few hours if they had any real weather, so the times might be harder to compare. Maybe that wasn't an issue though.
  • 7 0
 @ocnlogan: I thought they said the pro's were currently on the course as they were about to ride up, so same day, same conditions.
  • 1 0
 TBF only the top contestants' times were really close to the pros. I was surprised to see how close too, but looking at the time difference to their peers maybe those two are just that good.
  • 8 0
 Anyone actually ride those Orbea's? They look pretty sweet...
  • 5 0
 They get great reviews, I kinda want one.
  • 3 0
 I ride the previous model and it rips
  • 1 0
 I have the previous model and love mine. First time I've owned a bike for 3+ years and not found a new bike to upgrade to (other than the slightly newer model).
  • 3 0
 @ratedgg13: Frame is sexy...its like a burly Stumpy.
  • 5 0
 Over at Vital the were really stoked on the new Rallon.
  • 1 0
 I've ridden the Occam and it's a pretty dialed trail bike (very spritely pedaling and the alu versions are light). The new Rallon looks fun.
  • 8 0
 When a Scots rider is labelled as being from the UK. Gis me the boak…
  • 7 3
 I watched episode 1 with my wife tonight and while in some ways it felt better than last year, I'm left feeling that several riders shouldn't be there.
For instance: if you're actively pursuing a career in mental health and currently working on your masters, AND saying that's what you want to do with your life, why are you here? Or more to the point, why did she end up chosen? I am certain there were more qualified applicants.
It's the biggest flaw that makes it feel so contrived to me.

Like picking riders rhat have NEVER raced? Are you kidding me? Why give these riders a chance when they haven't put literally any time or effort into it themselves?

Come on pinkbike, pick people that are already giving it a try, not people that either don't need or want the deal, or haven't even tried.
  • 5 1
 So glad this is back I enjoyed it last time (yeah, come at me) the more racing is going to bring so much more to it.

Emmet is fast but will his youthfulness come into play where some will have more experience...
  • 3 0
 Maybe I missed it but how about a stat or two? Ya know length of the track, elev gain/loss, a profile of the track, ave speed, something? Anything? Something so we can use to put the difficultness of the track into perspective. It seems like you know "trailforks" your sister site could probably give that data to you fairly easily!
  • 2 0
 You definitely missed it, think it was about 2.3km length and 300m elevation loss.
  • 7 1
 Cody looks like Gus from psych in the banner pic
  • 10 2
 Best show ever!
  • 3 0
 @FloridaHasMTBToo: I've heard it both ways.
  • 2 0
 Did you hear about Pluto?
  • 2 0
 @L4PI: that's messed up
  • 2 0
 I think my favorite scene from that show has to be in the polar bear episode where Shawn is at a vegan restaurant and orders the beef dip.
  • 1 0
 One of the unheralded shows of all time.

youtu.be/zmWJxA3TMeo
  • 1 0
 @danielfloyd: You know that's right
  • 9 2
 Yoooo get hyped people!!
  • 7 0
 Go chumba
  • 6 0
 Format seems better than last year so far.
  • 6 0
 Condom sponsor announced yet? Everything else seemed to be covered
  • 6 0
 I'm the secret pro. My body battery is currently at 238%.
  • 1 0
 Are people who've worn them happy with those Rampage Comp helmets? Most of the pros or industry people you see are wearing the more expensive version. Are there any annoying features, as if they detuned it to not take sales from the Carbon? It looks just like the previous generation of the top Rampage (a very nice helmet) with a different shell material. tia
  • 5 0
 Did Gully pluck his eyebrows?
  • 4 0
 No wifey material like Vlad by now. At least they give me back Addison and the puke bucket.
  • 4 0
 I wait until Saturday mornings to watch it with my kid. He loves it, so I love it.
  • 3 0
 Hey question about the Garmin watch. Which one are the peeps wearing? There are so many models I get lost.
  • 3 0
 Fenix 6 and 6s
  • 4 1
 Laura getting second quickest women's time with stitches in the arm is pretty impressive.
  • 2 0
 But the her job is killing people, should toughen you up a bit.
  • 18 15
 No DPRK representation, pass
  • 3 0
 3-4 of those riders looked pretty darn fast to me. Like real fast.
  • 4 2
 I’d love to do this so I can smash beers and smoke darts at the top then still just f*cking send it!
  • 2 0
 Some rather interesting personalities on this one. Lets see who grows and who cracks some more.
  • 4 0
 go FLO !!!!!
  • 1 1
 It is sooo much improved from last season. Last season was hard to watch, I skipped through season 1 episodes, trying to avoid the padding and storylines. This season is much better already
  • 1 1
 This is already way better than last season (which I enjoyed!). More racing, less BS challenges. Is there only one winner? There should definitely be a men's and women's winner.
  • 2 0
 Looking forward to sitting down to watch tonight! I\
  • 2 0
 ...and this time the shirts are off already on episode 1.
  • 1 0
 Really looking forward to this. Ive sold it to the Mrs as a TOWIE on bikes.
  • 2 1
 Totally rooting for Flo! We already had a Canadian guy winning last season. Let's witch it up a a bit!
  • 2 0
 This is cool, nice production!
  • 2 1
 Being outside PLUS riding bikes?! Sign me up for Emmett V Flo on pay-per-view!
  • 1 0
 Will we get to see a getting to know article on the contestants? I'd really like to learn more about them.
  • 1 0
 Looking forward to the next episode!
  • 2 1
 Siuthad a Chamshroin! Balach Sgitheanach.
  • 2 0
 Mòran taing!
  • 1 0
 @purple: Sgoinneill!
  • 1 0
 I'll go ahead and pedict that Flo will win this season...
  • 1 0
 why?
  • 1 0
 what garmin watch are they using? it's kinda interesting
  • 1 0
 Fenix 6 an 6s
  • 1 0
 @steflund: thanks! and, shiiiiit it's expensive AF
  • 1 0
 @NicolaZesty314: siiii molto caro
  • 11 13
 Time to have a good conversation with your editor and producer. Show this big leaving with a flash frame (35:06) and a shot missing color correction (35:14) not a good look.
  • 1 0
 I noticed that too, and I'm not a video editor.
  • 1 0
 Wish I was in Big White
  • 1 0
 Go tori!
  • 1 1
 Jesus wept, that wasn't exactly an indecipherable riddle. Best of luck.
  • 1 0
 absolute piss
  • 1 2
 What's with this going on 1 sh!t? Go on go.
  • 2 0
 Trip the timer on go bro
  • 10 11
 You're welcome for bankrolling this. -Robin Thurston, the real Outside CEO
  • 21 1
 This is going in your personnel file, John. Performance reviews are right around the corner...I have a feeling there is a PinkSLIP (see what I did there!?!?!) in your future.

Be safe be well,
Incognito Robin
  • 4 4
 glad addison is back
  • 3 4
 All the cringe of reality TV and Pinkbike content combined!
  • 4 5
 Sik
  • 7 3
 Do you need a doctor?
  • 12 2
 @bigtim: Perhaps an English tutor as well.
  • 18 21
 Meh, enduro is boring. They should just host a $30k scrub contest lmao
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