Sponsored Riders
For The Riders sponsorship program aims to connect riders with the tools necessary to perform at an elite level. Backed by NS Dynamics, Maxxis, Joes no Flats and DT Swiss For The Riders supports over 18 riders from across Queensland covering a variety of disciplines. We believe by supporting those looking to find their personal edge, we can too.
Andrew Cavaye
Originally hailing from Toowoomba, I have been racing Downhill for over 9 years and have recently ventured into the world of Enduro. Some of my proudest achievements include an Elite 1st place at a National Enduro, as well as an Elite 3rd place at Coffs Harbour Nationals Downhill. If I’m not busy racing, you will find me on the local trails out at Mt Cootha and Gap Creek, smashing laps on the downhill bike, or out chasing mountains on the road bike. Some of my best memories on a bike are from the year I spent overseas in Whistler, Canada where I spent countless hours in the bike park and even jumped a train. Having fun with your mates is one of the most important aspects of riding to me, if you ever bump into me on the trails or at a race don’t be afraid to say hey!
Tim Abbott
I was introduced to dirt jumping at 14 and discovered downhill soon after. I grew up building little tracks with my friends, filming amateur videos and hitting sections full tilt until we crashed. Since then, not much has changed. These days, I love getting out with my buddies and seeing what rowdy stuff we can hit on our trail bikes. I’ve purchased a bit more camera gear and enjoy making slightly more professional videos to document it. I’ve also learnt to pedal which has granted me success racing downhill and Enduro at state and national levels. If you see me on the trails hit me up! I’m always up for a chat, a train or a huck to flat.
Simon Frederiksen
Hey there, my name is Simon but most people call me Freddo. I started riding and racing BMX in Alice Springs when I was 6 years old and loved building jumps with my brothers and friends on our property. I first got into mountain biking after high school while I was in Canada where I was a gap student in a little school near Montreal. They had about 150 acres with some cool single track. After Canada, I moved to Brisbane where my brother Nick introduced me to a heap of really good riders who soughed me out. I started racing XC back in 2002 and also dabbled in bit of 4X and Downhill. For training, I love riding at Gap Creek given the varied terrain and elevation available.
Caleb Rees
I’m a junior downhiller from Queensland, Australia. I have been racing mountain bikes for over seven years now across XC, enduro and DH. I started racing DH in 2014 on a Norco Sasquatch racing hardtail and U15s. 2015 was my first full year of downhill, racing in U15s competing in the South East Queensland Downhill series winning each of my races. In the QLD State titles I finished third place with a puncture. I’ve competed in many events ranging from Oceania championships and National series races to numerous local races. I’m committed to working hard and making continuous improvement so I can compete overseas one day!
Will Hynes
Hey guys, my name is Will Hynes and I’m a young mountain bike rider from Brisbane. My main focus is racing the South East Queensland Enduro Series but I also love dirt jumping and freeride. At any chance I get, I’ll be out on the trails or at the local jumps having a good time. My favourite places to ride are Tamrookum Creek, Boomerang Farm and BP dirt. I first got into Mountain Biking when I was about 12 riding a dirt jumper at gap creek and I have loved it ever since! One of my favourite things about riding is being out with your mates and having fun.
Annelie Marquardt
I’m a Brisbane local and have owned some sort of mountain bike since high school. In late 2015 I entered my first mountain bike event with some friends, and since then I have become progressively more involved in events and eventually racing. I discovered I preferred trying to go fast downhill, rather than uphill, after doing BC Bike Race in Canada in 2017. Since then I’ve been hooked on Enduro racing. I’m stoked to be riding for FTR, and keen to get more ladies enjoying racing! If you want to give it a go, let me know!"
Hayden Wright
Hi, my name is Hayden and I’m bike obsessed. The affinity all began when I was 6 years old and my parents bought me my first dirt bike. After riding and racing motocross with friends and family for around 7 years I started playing around less with dirt bikes and more with bicycles. Since then I have raced BMX, 4X and downhill although I feel I have found my place racing enduro. I really enjoy the variety of terrain and amount of quality bike time you get compared to other disciplines. Over the next few years I look forward to more great times riding and racing with friends both locally and abroad.
Shaun Jackson
Hi All, I’m Shaun the old fella in the team. I love doing the races that everyone else hates to do. Anything from multi day adventure races, multi days mountain bike rides, 100 mile races, XCM to my favourite 24hr MTB’s. Most people tell me that I have a screw loose, probably more like two. I just like to see how far I can push myself, physically and mentally. I spend most of my time riding the Bayview trail network. Big thanks to the shop team who make it all possible. See you on the trails.
Ryan Leutton
Hi there, I’m Ryan. I’ve been riding and racing for many years now first getting into downhill back in 2009. Prior to that I raced motocross competing at a national level from 2000-2007. I spent a fair chunk of time competing overseas managing to win the Italian Downhill Series in 2013. I’ve since backed that up with podium results for both Enduro and downhill securing myself a start for the 2017 Enduro World Series. None of my achievements would be possible without the backing of ForTheRiders and those close to me. Thanks!
Michelle Gane
I’m Michelle, also known as Biggles (childhood nickname that I’ve never escaped due to my size 11 feet). My friends and I made a cameo in one of the Mudcows videos (that will give you an idea of how old I am) but never too old to have a fun on a bike. My bike has taken me to some incredible places in the world and I’m always up for a crazy bike related adventure. I once rode a mountain bike 10,500km over 138days through South America from Columbia to the bottom end of Argentina to raise money for charity. Pedal when I have to but love a good shuttle or chair lift session. My local trails are Mt Cootha and Gap Creek if you see me around say hi! Always up for a chat and a ride with new people; warning will be trying to convince more ladies to come racing with me!
Jonathon Dodds
I just love riding my bike! I’ve had a great time racing with FTR so far and can’t wait to see what the future brings. My current focus is riding the Queensland Enduro series. It’s a good blend of fitness and technical challenges that always makes me push hard. My favourite places to ride are Tamrookum Creek, Gap Creek, Mt Joyce and Castle Hill. If you see me out there be sure to come and say hello.
Bobby Blinco
Hey guys, My name is Bobby and I’m originally from Bundaberg. I made the transition from skateboarding for 15 years over to mountain bikes at the start of 2013 to gain fitness after a broken shoulder. I then entered my first enduro mid-way through 2015 in sport class and progressed into expert for the remainder of the year entering elite in 2016. The open and relaxed enduro format suites my lazy habits and poor bike skills. I enjoy racing with mates when whilst fighting the clock. Normally you’ll find me out of breathe in Cornubia on either my bike or on the end of a rakehoe. I look forward to progressing my results and many more good times on the bike with mates.
Chris O'Dowd
Riding for me started in my last year of high-school in 2011 when my friends and I would hang out after school at the Steve Jones track at Bunya. Soon one of my friends bought his first downhill bike and I quickly followed suit. My school friends have grown out of bikes now but my passion for them has only grown. I attended the odd race right from the start as a way to meet new people and ride new tracks but in the last few years have tried to progress my riding by attending as many races, events and new areas as possible. This has included a trip to Queenstown, New Zealand and I was lucky enough to spend a month in Whistler, Canada with friends and raced the world famous Whistler Crankworx competition. Bikes are now a part of who I am, I’ll keep riding, progressing and having fun on two wheels at every opportunity.
Cameron Tomlinson
I got my first MTB when I was 13 and went along to try a club ride in my hometown, Toowoomba, and was immediately hooked. The guys talked me into trying out my first downhill race in 2000 and I haven't been able to stay away since, competing in state and national events. I became mates with the FTR family from the shops humble beginnings in the mid 00’s and it has remained home ever since. It has been rad to see what ForTheRiders has grown into over the last decade, and looking forward to more good times ahead! You'll find me at all the local DH events and more.
Daniel Neumann
Hey guys, I’m Daniel. I started riding when I was 8 which eventually progressed into racing in 2012 and I have never looked back since, from the lows of breaking my collarbone while riding in New Zealand to the highlight of my racing so far being able to travel to Crankworx to race in the Garbanzo DH race, Aline race and Canadian Open DH. I enjoy all types of riding, from Cross Country to Enduro. My personal favourite being Downhill. I can’t wait to hit up the DH races this season and see how I go!
Connor Aves
I’m Connor, I have been riding bikes since I was a young fella. Started of racing bmx but was introduced to MTB by my twin brother and fell in love straight away. I will be attending all local DH and Enduro races, Oceania and national races too. My goal in this sport is to travel and riding some of the best MTB places in the world. My favourite places to ride would have to Bright (Vic) and fox creek (Adelaide). The main thing I like about racing is the competitiveness while still having a laugh with your mates.