60 Seconds with... BRAGE VESTAVIK

Brage Vestavik is the kind of rider who makes old-timers in the sport shake their heads in baffled disbelief. He’s the epitome of the new-school ripper – as flamboyant on Instagram as he is on the race track. Wearing the lairiest riding kit and with his blond hair flowing free, this Norwegian Viking pillages and conquers every berm he comes across, sending roost flying, throwing gang signs and jibbing off every available feature. A World Cup DH racer by trade, Brage is also a Red Bull Hardline and FEST Series regular, and an absolute shredder on a pump track.

Who is Brage Vestavik?

A 20-year-old Viking from Norway.

What do you do?

I’m a rider for the MS Mondraker team.

Where do you call home?

Mysen, Norway.

First bike?

A Kona Stuff 24in-wheeled hardtail.

Go-to bike?

I live in a pretty flat area, so the Mondraker Dune XR is my bike of choice most of the time.

What gets you excited to ride?

Getting creative, feeling the flow and the adrenaline. I’m stoked to ride if I’m about to try out something that I’ve just finished building.

Favourite rider to watch?

Ratboy [Josh Bryceland], Andreu Lacondeguy or Lewis Mills.

Favourite bike film?

New World Disorder 7.

Best trail this year?

I rode Morzine for the first time. Some of the secret trails there are the best.

Scariest thing you’ve done on a bike?

The first time I rode Red Bull Hardline, when I was 17!

Worst crash?

I broke two bones in my back at the Cairns World Cup in 2016, as a Junior, and I’m currently recovering from landing with my fingers in between the planks of a bridge.

Biggest ride of your life?

Getting sixth at Red Bull Hardline last year

Clips or flats?

Since 2017, I race on clips. I have the most fun riding flats though, and for other types of riding besides racing I’ll run flats.

650b or 29in?

I’ve not ridden 29ers much. I have a lot of fun on 650b, but I just got the new Mondraker Foxy 29 and it feels really good.

Bike park flow or natural gnar?

I love bike parks, but natural stuff feels the best. My selfmade trails are my favourite.

Race results or Instagram followers?

I love racing, but I also love influencing people to get stoked and go riding.

Dream sponsor?

Mysen Kebab, my local kebab restaurant!

How far can you wheelie?

As long as I want, if the hill is long enough...

Desert island luxury?

A hill with good dirt and some shovels.

What advice would you give your 13-year-old self?

Everything is not what it seems.

What would you be doing if you weren’t racing?

If I wasn’t racing I’d be riding for fun. If I couldn’t ride I’d be doing something creative out in nature.