Help Bryn race for New Zealand

My name is Bryn Dickerson, I am an Elite downhill mountain bike racer from Wellington.

Over the last 7 years I have spent 4 months a year in Europe representing New Zealand in the World Cup and European race series.

Despite the challenges in coming from the other side of the world, I have worked hard and have been rewarded with European cup wins and top 20 World Cup results. 2018 was my best season to date; I rode for a factory team, held a world ranking of 27th and was selected to represent New Zealand at the World Championships in Switzerland.

Unfortunately two crashes left me with 4 snapped ligaments and a ruptured artery in my left ankle to go with 2 snapped ligaments and a broken heel in my right ankle. Since returning home I have had two surgeries (December and February) and have spent the last 7 months in moonboots (yes sometimes two!)

As the ankle situation developed, I continued discussions with my team and was looking forward to riding with them again for 2019. However when the team's major sponsor changed in January, I was told there was no longer a place for me on the team as I was not from Europe and this didn't align with their marketing strategy. This was confirmed on the final day of the negotiation window leaving me no chance to sort a position with another team.

Coupled with all of this, I normally work as a mountain bike coach with my business Fluid Lines teaching local riders how to improve their skills and raising funds to compete. Being unable to ride since I returned home, I haven't been able to teach and earn money to fund my 2019 campaign.

However if there is one thing I am not afraid of it is hard work. Despite the adversity I have managed to put together a bike for this season, and a plan to get back to racing at the highest level and representing New Zealand.

2018 was fantastic and it really showed me what I can achieve with a good program and racing environment. For 2019 I am planning on racing in 7 World Cups and 3 European cups. The goals are simple, get back to where I was last year, and then go even faster. I want to win more European cups, get back inside the top 20 at World Cup's and represent New Zealand at the World Championships in Canada.

Now, I need help to cover some of the costs so I can get out there and smash these goals!

There is no funding in mountain biking, and despite being ranked inside the top 30 I have never had financial support to race. When I won a European cup last year, beating 400 competitors, I won $1000.00 NZD. As much as I love my sport, it is almost entirely self funded unless you are right at the top.

I leave for Europe at the end May and will stay there till September. Any amount donated will be a HUGE help and I have outlined some of the major costs that the money raised will cover.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story.

https://www.pinkbike.com/news/getting-to-know-world-cup-racer-bryn-dickerson.html

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