kicking off their season at windrock, The rooted team are determined to keep the privateer dream alive and kicking.

As the landscape of elite level Downhill becomes ever more professional, the days of the privateer have seemed numbered. The costs of travel, kit and the sheer effort required to race competitively can strangle the dreams of many a talent.

The Rooted boys are determined to rally against the obstacles and break the mould of what elite racing looks like. Comprising of Austin Hacket-Klaube, Wiley Kaupas and Armen Davis the team are demonstrating that securing a factory ride is not the only path to elite racing.

“The point of the team is to try to showcase how privateers are able to ride at the highest level and still not be a part of world cup teams”

When the big rigs roll out of town and the dust settles at the end of a race weekend, it’s privateers that remain the lifeblood of the sport. It’s refreshing to see that it continues to thrive in a period when the identity of Downhill has been much-maligned.