Mountain Biking - Do Pros Get Paid?

For example, does pro mountain bikers get paid for being on movies such as NWD 6?

Common sense tells me that yes, they are paid, its obvious think about it NWD6 is nothing more than a film, films have actors, actors get paid for performing and the pros on NWD 6 are "actors".

I was thinking that maybe just there sponsors pay them. It doesn't seem like movies like the NWD series bring in much money. Maybe Iam wrong but if they did pay them, than they most not get much.

Well, they are getting a good deal on equipment for sure. They get top-of-the-line bikes and components for free or close to free.

Only the best of the best get paid cash to ride their bikes. And they are certainly not getting paid by the movie producers! The film is simply a vehicle to advertise for their sponsors, who may or may not be signing checks. By and large I would be skeptical that even half the riders in a movie like that are getting free bikes. The bike industry is full of tightwads.

Andrew

Look at your question......... What is the definition of a Professional?
Yes they get paid, but the majority is from sponsors. Also they don't get paid well. Less then 2 years ago, from a very reliable source, I was told that there were only about 5 pro mountain bikers earning over $100,000 (USD) a year.

I was thinking that maybe just there sponsors pay them. It doesn't seem like movies like the NWD series bring in much money. Maybe Iam wrong but if they did pay them, than they most not get much.

There are 3 (likely more) options. Sponsors pay them under the assumtion they will get exposure, this is generally inclusive of movies which gives the best exposure. Some movies give out small amounts of cash. And thirdly is the riders owning a part of the movie. They invested their own cash into it, own it and then make money off of the TLP (Top line profits)

Look at your question......... What is the definition of a Professional?
Yes they get paid, but the majority is from sponsors. Also they don't get paid well. Less then 2 years ago, from a very reliable source, I was told that there were only about 5 pro mountain bikers earning over $100,000 (USD) a year.

I would think that if you included freeriders in that, the number would jump. Pro dhillers aren't making very much but I can think of more than 5 pro freeriders taking home good coin. Of course keep in mind most pros don't last more than 3 years in the spotlight.

i heard that they dont get paid much. but for movies there is always royalites so you take in money that way. but you have sponsers paying for alot: transportation, bikes, gear, buying into races.

Over 100k is a pretty good yearly sum to ride a bike. Even if I made half that I'd be ecstatic.

Over 100k is a pretty good yearly sum to ride a bike. Even if I made half that I'd be ecstatic.

Yes but VERY VERY FEW make that, not many would be able to make a career out of it. The real "money" these guys get is free accomadation and flights around the world, and free products.

Think of this, Amiel Cavalier, Jnr DH champ, and Sam Hill. Former Jnr DH Champ and farking fast elite, both have jhobs in Australia.

Poor dhillers are broke :D...

seriously the industry needs to start feeding the hand that groomed it.

Poor dhillers are broke :D...

seriously the industry needs to start feeding the hand that groomed it.

That is for sure. A few of my friends were "Pro" in the late '80s early '90s racing for GT and Specialized and were making six figures and never had to work and back then the courses, DH, XC AND the hill climb races (which are no where to be found these days), were nothing compared to what they are today. All they did was ride and party.

Well this might start the thread in a different direction but even if a "major" company got involved and promoted the hell out of racing and the riders, with all the pansy arse, sue happy people who do not feel they are responsible for their own actions and decide to race without health insurance it would be hard to get a lot of good venues.

DBD:beer:

Poor dhillers are broke :D...

seriously the industry needs to start feeding the hand that groomed it.
My bud that rides for Cane Creek is making a killing! Thats why he works as a carpenter in the off season.;) Video parts are what sponsors want. I love watching the Earthed series, some of those guys are insane fast. I'm with you about racers getting a better deal.

They get paid a couple of ways.

1. Winning a Compation
2. Movies
3. Doing Ads
4. I have heard of doing certain stuff over jumps or jumps and such.