Who We Are

We want to make sure anyone can enjoy mountain biking!

Trailrippers Project CIC is the brainchild of “Trailrippers” Nathan and Ruben de Vaux. The two young mountain bikers from Machynlleth, Wales (United Kingdom) have been making their way into the sport since 2016. They encountered many barriers and became more and more aware of the lack of diversity in mountain biking.

With Nathan on the brink of going into the top level of international competition, the boys realised that the same structure needed to support him into that next level, could help other young people like them. Trailrippers Project CIC was started as a way of introducing mountain biking to a more diverse public and bring others along in the sport they love.

 

Meet the team

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Nathan de Vaux

Nathan de Vaux

DOWNHILL MOUNTAIN BIKE RACER

I’m Nathan and I’m 15 years old. I love riding and racing bikes, especially downhill. My goal is to be Downhill World Champion and race World Cups. We created Trailrippers Project because we want to help more people like us get on bikes.

Outside of biking and training I love engineering. I do work experience in a local car garage and you can often find me tinkering with our old van.

Ruben de Vaux

Ruben de Vaux

DOWNHILL MOUNTAIN BIKE RACER

Hi, I’m Ruben and I’m 13. I’m passionate about mountain bike riding and racing. My goals in mountain biking are to become World Champion and to make the sport more diverse. I want children like me be able to get on bikes and enjoy the outdoors.

When I'm not biking I love to spend time with my dog River. She's a bouncy German Shepherd who I am training to do agility.

Ina De Smet

Ina De Smet

PROJECT COORDINATOR

I'm Nathan and Ruben's mother, deeply committed to Diversity and Inclusion. With a background in Primary Education and a Master's Degree in Design Research for Disability, I've dedicated myself to supporting Special Needs Education. As a single parent, I transitioned to Home Education in 2015 to provide personalized support for my sons.

Our shared passion for Mountain Biking has not only kept us active but has also sparked a mission to break down barriers in the sport and promote inclusivity at national and international levels.

Our Directors

We are advised and supported by a diverse group of awesome humans who ensure we continue to move purposely towards our mission of making Mountain Biking a more accessible and more inclusive sport.

 

Our Sponsors

Nathan and Ruben are supported in their racing by the following amazing companies:

GT Bicycles

Website

Endura

Website

Continental Tyres UK

Website

Bell Helmets UK

Website

Shimano UK

Website

Dyfi Bike Park

Website

Fox Suspension UK

Website

Hope Academy UK

Website

Lee Morgan Artworx

Website

Kingud

Website

Wheelism

Website

Brand Ambassadors

They are also ambassadors for these initiatives:

MTB Colour Collective

Instagram

Trash Free Trails

Website

Total MTB

Website