LAST CHANCE TO APPLY: Pinkbike Academy Season 3 - Launch Your Riding Career with A Pro Contract with Orbea & $30,000

Mar 16, 2022 at 13:14
by Pinkbike Staff  
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Apply Now for the 2022
PINKBIKE ACADEMY
PRESENTED BY MONSTER HYDRO


Racing. Action. Glory.




Pinkbike Academy is back for Season 3 in 2022 and it's going to be next level, with high-stakes racing, technical riding challenges, and two Secret Pros setting benchmarks. The winner of Season 3 of Pinkbike Academy presented by Monster Hydro will launch their riding career with a pro contract from Orbea Bikes and a $30,000 prize purse.

It's not easy to break into the pro ranks based on skill and potential alone, especially these days, but Pinkbike Academy is changing that. The incredibly talented riders from Season 1 and Season 2 have received some well-deserved attention from fans and sponsors and many have gone on to ride for factory teams after appearing on the show.

Once again, we are choosing five men and five women from around the world to battle it out against each other in a series of riding-related challenges at Big White. With our two Secret Pros setting the times to beat, we'll be able to see how the contestants stack up against two of the world's best enduro racers. This 10-part series will see riders fighting it out each week with only the best riders progressing through each round for a chance to claim this career-changing prize.

We're excited to produce the third season of Pinkbike Academy and introduce the world to a whole new wave of riders.


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Want in?

The show will be judged by well-known industry insiders and pros, and the riders we select for the Academy will need a whole lot of speed and fitness to compete with the times that our Secret Pros set. Do you have the skills, personality, and perseverance to make it through?

This could be your opportunity to turn your passion into a career. This isn't just free product and small travel budget, but a proper chance at a professional contract and the incredible support that comes with it.

We are seeking to cast five men and five women aged 19-39 from around the world who are able to travel to British Columbia in August (exact dates to be confirmed). If you're selected for the 2022 Pinkbike Academy, we will handle your travel and accommodation costs.

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

Step 1: Film a 1 minute video explaining why we should choose you. Keep it simple but remember that the videos that show your personality and commitment to riding 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 Tuesday, May 11th

Eligibility requirements can be found HERE.
Online agreement and release can be found HERE.
Subject to meeting Canadian immigration and quarantine requirements.




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Official Location Partner of Pinkbike Academy @bikebigwhite



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125 Comments
  • 253 11
 Do I need a bmx background?
  • 64 140
flag likeittacky (Mar 18, 2022 at 9:42) (Below Threshold)
 Just a woke degree
  • 63 1
 I wonder how many grown men has actually cried because of the Pinkbike comment section.
  • 4 1
 @Nygaard: This comment makes me a little sad. Just a little.
  • 77 0
 There are a wide variety of BMX backgrounds here if you need one:

wallpaperaccess.com/bmx
  • 28 45
flag J26z (Mar 18, 2022 at 12:18) (Below Threshold)
 Do I need to be a Beta Male?
  • 15 6
 @J26z: where does these talks of beta male and woke degree come from. I seriously want to know?
  • 27 57
flag likeittacky (Mar 18, 2022 at 13:56) (Below Threshold)
 @Daweiknowdaway: You must first realize the importance of critical thinking; implement it into your daily life and be dignified in all wisdom knowing that "Everything woke turns to shit."
  • 5 0
 #bmxbackground
  • 3 4
 @Daweiknowdaway: There's alot to learn in the comment section Wink
  • 2 0
 You’ll be better with one, that’s for sure.-
  • 10 11
 @likeittacky: "You(as in you, likeittacky) are a sad, strange little man, and you have my pity."
  • 5 8
 Pretty shocked that people still find this comment entertaining. Easily amused I suppose...
  • 1 0
 lmaaaaooooo
  • 3 12
flag likeittacky (Apr 27, 2022 at 13:19) (Below Threshold)
 @b2bikes: Keep your pity and patronizing, Peckerhead
  • 1 0
 Pretty sure they are seeking unicycle background now.
  • 1 1
 @Daweiknowdaway: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Woke

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alpha_and_beta_male
  • 1 1
 @Daweiknowdaway: these people are the sheep of a YouTube pair call Fresh and Fit, who are the acolytes of Rollo Tomasi (which is a pen name).

So think of a worse version of waki.
  • 133 5
 How about a men's and a women's winner? It seems ridiculous to hold up a man's time against a woman's and then decide who is the more worthy racer. There is a reason there are two categories.
  • 32 0
 Maybe orbea only wants 1 rider to join them? But yeah I agree with you.
  • 14 0
 If you would have watched the first two seasons, the second one specially you would know that’s not how they judge the contestants
  • 3 1
 @leopaul: no but it should be
  • 2 2
 @Curse-of-the-foot-long-sub: that would be really stupid from a marketing standpoint tho
  • 8 1
 @leopaul: marketing doesn't even compare to real world winners.. in the words of Rhonda Rousey "they don't pay me more because they wanna do something nice for the girls" facts of the matter is that sponsering a male athlete will bring in more money for orbea.. they should trash this "equalization" bc there is no equalization in mtb, men are far more ahead and bring in much more money. Don't get me wrong I'm an advocate for equalizism but it's not gonna get there by sponsering a mediochre woman over an advancing male. Shoot me. It's the truth
  • 2 0
 @Curse-of-the-foot-long-sub: I don’t believe that’s true. Every company needs a balanced marketing mix. And in todays game marketing is about more than winning. Look at brendog.
  • 2 0
 @Curse-of-the-foot-long-sub: i would have agreed a few years ago but recently where im from anyways it seems like women are buying more bikes than men especially since alot of them are just getting into the sport and looking to try every brand/model in existence
  • 1 0
 Tell that to the collegiate swimmers.
  • 108 1
 At 39, I'm technically still eligible, but too old to remember if I have a BMX background or not.
  • 58 0
 If you can't remember, you probably do. Now go sign up!
  • 21 0
 I was hoping for a vintage rider contest. An over 40 group. Sponser would probably be better suited with a company like Aleve or Advil.
  • 4 0
 @flatlandhaala: I’m in. Format should be last man standing. Will maybe last 4 episodes.
  • 1 0
 @noahcolorado you’re only 39?!
  • 49 3
 #ToriGotRobbed
  • 31 0
 I'd love to see both a male and female winner this year. This would make it feeling less like the ladies are racing against/competing with the men, and allow them to show different strengths.
  • 20 0
 I assume given the size of the prize that limits it to one rider - and I did think they balanced it well last year. I really enjoyed season 2, would love it to be more of an academy for the first 4 or so episodes before removing people, with training and progression rather than just It's A Kockout from the start.
  • 11 0
 @PawnSacrifice: Assume that "Kockout" is a typo, otherwise it would be pretty unfair on the ladies...
  • 2 0
 @KFiskerC75: Happy typo that would explain the up votes.
  • 33 0
 Sorry I already have too many product placement sponsors
  • 31 0
 I'll just screenshot my tied for 11th all time on this one trail and send that in. Next stop, EWS Whistler.
  • 28 1
 I’ve got the time I beat Phil Atwil on a trail he probably rode once blind and I have done hundreds of times and it’s short enough that GPS error probably played a part.
  • 33 8
 I actually opened application form where you need to answer:

Gender *
-Male
-Female
-Non-Binary
-Transgender
-Intersex
-Prefer Not To Say
-Other:

So how will they actually compare individuals which are not male of female?
  • 2 1
 I don't think you understand how this works.
I would say the same way they compare male and female? It's not that hard to compare more than 2 different things.
  • 1 0
 I think they compare according to sex, not gender.
  • 21 1
 OK I am applying as "Just a regular, normal, everyday madafaka", slightly chubby from office work, with an average MTB skill, willing to learn something new but not pushing too hard cuz you know... it is going to take me a whole season to recover from trauma. So pretty much 90% of PB audience and source of income. I think I have a chance
  • 18 0
 What if they don’t start eliminating people right away, make it point based and leave the elimination to the final couple of rounds
  • 15 0
 How about ditching the eliminations and just naming an overall winner? I understand eliminating someone and waiting a few seconds too long to announce who "goes home" is standard reality tv, but its a tired trope. Let them ride and see who can improve throughout the week or two of filming and create a leaderboard or something. I would find it more entertaining and it gives the riders a chance to showcase themselves even if they aren't in the hunt to win, for potential sponsors.
  • 19 3
 Am i the only one who lives in a place where 30k would just about stretch 6months? If i won the pink bike academy id still need a part time job
  • 31 0
 I'd still need a full time job.
  • 11 0
 I believe it’s $30k in addition to the pro contract by Orbea? Not that you’ll be able to live off the contract earnings, but everything needed to travel the world and race should be covered.
  • 18 0
 @RBoardman234s: ok, so a part-time job and my wife stays working.
  • 10 0
 That's like 3 months in Squamish
  • 3 15
flag leopaul (Mar 21, 2022 at 8:39) (Below Threshold)
 if you have family and kids yes. alone 30k should work almost anywhere in the world
  • 17 0
 @RonSauce: a wise man once said - it’s a lazy man who can’t find his wife a second job.
  • 1 0
 @RonSauce: yep! Pro Enduro riders are not paid the same as pro football and basketball players. Also, media outlets like PB don’t have the money that ESPB does. On the positive side as a community we can help with that. If more people watch and follow pro racing more sponsors will show up with more money. All spectator sports are driven by the spectators.
  • 1 0
 That’s a chunk of our mortgage paid off. And then halfarse the racing season. Worth it.
  • 3 0
 @leopaul: Cost of Living in the PNW is significantly higher than most other places... $30k would probably only get you by if you were living free with family or about 5 roommates. Living alone, expect to spend $10-$15k on housing(rent), then factor in everything else it takes to live as a pro athlete...
  • 2 0
 @dpars63: apparently pro enduro riders are not paid the same as grocery store workers either.

The key word is PRO. If I'm a professional I expect salary greater than an entry level job.
  • 1 0
 @RonSauce: yeah, TacoTime here in WA is now paying 16.50 an hour, which is well over 30k if you work 40hrs a week. That’s not the point though, whatever you are a professional at is a choice. Same with cycling. It sucks they don’t get paid as much as other athletes, but they could choose to compete in other sports. Or on the flip side they could all demand 6 figures, bike companies say no, and racing is no longer a thing. EWS does not have the same value proposition as the NFL,

My earlier point was that in order for pros to make more money the sport as a whole needs to start pulling in more money. Besides that, the money for one year from winning isn’t really the point of the show. It’s to get exposure, which long term is worth more than 30k
  • 3 0
 @dpars63: exposure as payment is a joke, especially when you are being used for content in the first place.

Saying its a young persons sport and offering chump change it just showing you're disposable.

Oh I forgot everyone in the entire bike industry sleeps on their friends couch and lives of ramen. Nobody has ever profited off bikes.
  • 1 0
 @dpars63: BTW, you decided "its not the point", but missed the point yourself. The point IS 30k and some exposure isn't enough for ME to commit.
  • 1 0
 @RonSauce: so.. are you trying to say you are a pro level rider and are holding out for more money? If so, good for you sticking to your convictions. I have yet to see Evan or Flo complain about their deal, but to be fair other people probably have better contracts. If you are one of them that’s awesome. You should have led with the fact your are a professional racer/rider. I assumed when you said you were a professional you meant “a business person” or “a tech worker”.
  • 1 0
 @dpars63: im not even near pro level and orbea could call me up right now with a 30k contract with no contest and I would turn it down because, back to the original point, it doesn't cover the cost of living.
  • 12 0
 30K? Thats like 3-5 years of paid sponsorship (according to recent PB review). Amazing!
  • 4 4
 that was the original idea. give someone an actual working salary and see what they can do other than having them do the whole privateer thing that just physically and mentally drains you
  • 13 0
 Speaking from my past experience, I already feel overqualified
  • 14 5
 would love to see some of the female athletes from season 1 and 2 who had unfortunate early exits return. Would be very competitive.
  • 3 0
 Good idea
  • 18 7
 can i enter in the womens team if i identify as one?
  • 8 2
 The last part of the application form looks like this is just to subscribe you for more spam from Outise sponsorsBig Grin
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Yes, I would like to opt in receive news and information from the previous sponsors of the Pinkbike Academy
Pinkbike Academy Updates
Monster
Orbea
Fox Factory
Shimano
Fox Racing
Ride Concepts
Garmin
ODI
FUNN Granite
Big White
  • 9 3
 Can Pinkbike hold a "BMX Background Academy" as well? For those of who don't have a BMX background, we could compete to obtain a BMX background, which is of course essential if we are to ever compete in Pinkbike Academy.
  • 8 1
 Mike Sinyard, age 39, has just signed up. He first had to resolve some previous sponsorship commitments but is willing to give it a go without his SWAT box
  • 7 0
 Seems like they could really capitalize on a similar style show with regular Joes. I think that could be way more entertaining.
  • 5 0
 Qualifications:
-Must not hold any Strava KOMs
-Must not have actually seen an Orbea in person before (North American applicants only)
-Only rides on weekends
-Comments about geometry under bike reviews

Bonus points:
-Not sure what Strava is
-Visible scars related to a left hand threaded bike part
-owns Kids Ride Shotgun or similar child seat
  • 5 0
 Run it like an enduro season with no eliminations. Work with pros to help the riders train and progress over the course of the show. All the riders would benefit and it would be way more enjoyable to watch than the manufactured drama.
  • 8 0
 Wait who dafuq were the secret pros from last season?
  • 11 0
 If they told you it wouldn't be a secret
  • 5 1
 Few ideas:

1) Don't eliminate anyone. Have a cumulative point system and have the winner determined by who wins most challenges. Tory deserved more from Season 2
2) No locals. might be tough, but it just isnt fair. Or at least keep that in mind when racing.
3) bring back some of the "influencer" challenge from season 1. not many but 1 or 2 would be fun
  • 7 0
 Would my tricycle background make for good content?
  • 2 0
 I had a Batmobil. 4 wheels baby!
  • 1 0
 How about my unicycle background? Does that count?
  • 6 3
 Clearly there is demand for Pinkbike Academy Masters Edition. As a mid 50's XC racer I think I can make a case for my inclusion in the masters edition as long as there are some limits to what I am expect to do in the competition. 1. Must be filmed over a couple of 3 day weekends because sadly I still have a job. 2. No trails can be used that might cause my wheels to separate from the ground by more than 50mm because airtime = hospital time based on all the Friday Fails videos I have watched. 3. More lycra required. 4. I get to count that gravel road downhill Strava KOM that I railed on my 140mm bike while everyone else is doing it on gravel bikes as part of my palmarès. 5. The winner gets a free lifetime subscription to Outside+ and does not have to pay any bikereg.com fees ever again. I expect the ratings will be spectacular.
  • 2 0
 Have a 2 day 8 stage race to get in. Start that race with 10 male/ 10 female contestants. Cut the field down to 5 male and 5 female riders. Keep a running tally of points show to show. Allow the judges to keep the show suspenseful by having subjective challenges thru each show.
  • 6 0
 My time has arrived.
  • 11 1
 and disappeared quicker than it arrived
  • 6 0
 @likeittacky: Fact! Frown
  • 2 1
 I really like the PB academy concept and can see it having genuine longevity, however, to have competitors that are EWS veterans seems at odds with the reason for the show!!!! Surely the idea is to give legit up and comers, who are put forward by their local scene - a fair platform, it would be really interesting to see the selection criteria \ weighting scoring system and how the final call is made.
  • 4 1
 Because the prize pays more than a lot of what we think are full sponsorships according to the salary survey. That's why you get pros entering this (and the gopro contest)
  • 1 0
 The eligibility requirements page says applicants need to be aged 19-39 as of May 11, but the application form asks for your age as of July 21. If you turn 40 between May 11 and Jul 21, and put 40 in that field, the form gives you an error
  • 2 0
 Does anyone know who pays the travel expenses like airfare and transfers for the contestants? I only saw one reference to "financial arrangements" in the terms documents.
  • 4 0
 Hire someone like Brian Lopes as the wildcard/old man shit disturber
  • 1 1
 Almost Forty, just built up a new full rigid steel bike because I want biking to be what it was when I was young again, not sure if I’m going to keep the full suspension around, middle of the pack beer league racer. I got this right?
  • 3 2
 i really dont understand the hate MTBers have for people that used to ride BMX. Anyone care to explain or is it just as simple as they are butthurt that someone is better than them after riding MTB for less time?
  • 5 0
 Don’t think that’s what is happening. It’s just a joke because of how many times “BMX background” was referenced on the previous season.
  • 3 0
 I'll apply, but only if I can get a written agreement that I won't have to do a "moo-off"
  • 1 0
 Pinkbike should hire a couple of crazy MTB riders like brendog and Sam Pilgrim to host a show where average riders are challenged to ride sketchy bikes and trails. I'd watch that all day.
  • 3 0
 Hey, PB. Can you do a Pinkbike Day Care for those of us older than 39?
  • 3 0
 I need to be on just to set the bar super low
  • 16 0
 Hear me out....along with the two secret pros you have 2 secret Randos. Now if you beat a secret pro on challenge day that's a bonus. But if you *get beaten* by one of the secret Randos...Eeeeeeuuuu drama will ensue!
  • 5 2
 “Ask your doctor today about BMX background”
  • 3 0
 9 out of 10 of us approve this message
  • 2 0
 I love the current concept...how about an xc contract.......oooo its a spinoff
  • 3 0
 Do you have to have a Beta subscription to apply?
  • 2 0
 I'd love the opportunity, but I'm too damn young! I think it would be cool to do a Jr academy, with riders from 14-18 or so.
  • 1 0
 for the love of peace just eliminate riders on speed and consistency. first season was an atrocity and 2nd was better but please. racing is about speed.
  • 1 0
 Sounds like a fun way to get a 30k side gig, maybe do a couple races on the weekends and after work
  • 2 0
 I tried but you told me I was to old.
  • 2 0
 Will J-Luc be back to host?
  • 2 0
 "My name's Rod and I like to party"

PB: "you're hired"
  • 1 0
 I'm a little older / fatter / slower but I have a great attitude and I used to ride a BMX bike in the 80's. Pick me!!
  • 2 0
 When was season 2? I obviously missed that.
  • 1 0
 PB - Do you have any events for riders with limb loss/differences? Would love to be part of an adaptive competition.
  • 1 0
 Open it up to older people and give everyone a chance. Would have liked to try this! Ah well.
  • 2 0
 Remember to bring your own pillow Big Grin
  • 3 5
 So no one over 39 can enter, I'm curious if the Orbea sales team knows how many people over that age limit buy their bikes? They've missed a genuine opportunity to target the wealthiest demographic in their market place.
  • 13 1
 They know exactly who buys their bikes. Why would they give free gear+money to the group that already has money and buys the most? How many 40+ privateers with good careers would actually want to take part in this for a measly 30k when they have mortgages and kids' college fees to pay?

Besides, they want to have an EWS racer in Elite, not Masters. The only people who watch EWS Masters are the participants and their families.
  • 1 0
 Is that salary based on a part-time basis?
Plus expenses?
  • 1 0
 Woke academy
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