Local downhill racer gaining ‘traction’ in craft
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- A scary activity for some, downhill mountain bike racing has become not only a hobby, but a career for 18-year-old Carson Brooks.
"So, downhill is the discipline, and so like, cross-country is the same as cross-country running, but on a bike you're only times on the downhills," Brooks said. "You generally would just study one track over your week, or all of your practices and then the downhill race would just be one day. It's generally a three-minute run down a specific track down a mountain."
Brooks, a Savannah High School senior, didn't always have an interest in the sport.
"Around 2020, whenever COVID came, there wasn't really anything to do," Brooks said. "So I just went out and rode my bike and found out it was what I really loved doing and started competing in 2021."
Brooks currently competes in Category 2 racing. For now, he is focusing on honing his skills, especially after just competing in his first national race in North Carolina last weekend.
"I did place pretty good in this race. I got fourth," Brooks said. "Which is pretty good for my first national race at this level."
Brooks said moving up in levels also comes with sponsorships, ambassadorships and brand representation.
"At the moment, I have one sponsorship that I'm under contract with," said Brooks. "I have a few ambassadorships, which, one of them is a glove company, so they just supply me with discounts and free gloves here and then."
The support from brands comes as a big help, especially as Brooks' sport racks up the bills.
"It's very expensive. Just to race, it's almost $200," he said. "And then you have to actually get there, so there's a lot to it.
Brooks also said equipment also plays a big part.
"Helmets generally cost around $500 to $800, shoes around $200, jersey and pants can be $300 to $500," said Brooks. "A good race bike can be anywhere from $5,000 to $10,000."
Brooks said he doesn't let the costs get in his way.
"I think the community in cycling is really awesome. It's like everybody wants to support you," he said. "Everyone's just like a family, basically."
Brooks hopes to move up to Category 1 next year and eventually wants to race at the professional level.
