Some would say that Nico Vink is a dark horse in the mountain bike world. After getting his start in the flatlands of Belgium as a BMX racer, those insane bike handling fundamentals quickly led Vink to bigger mountains and bigger bikes, culminating in racing DH at the highest level and hitting the biggest bike jumps in the world. That has since inspired the Schwalbe Tires athlete to become a master trailbuilder with a truly unmatched ability to turn dreams into reality on dirt. For more information on Esperanto and to find tickets for the film tour, please go here.
In Ecuador, we joined forces with Vink, Carson Storch, Johny Salido and local ripper Rene Arevalo Coloma. We arrived to Vink putting the finishing touches on a masterpiece of a jump line before sessioning it and the network of nearby enduro trails. A few months later, we reconnected with Vink at Spain's La Fenasosa Bike Park, where he laced up techy jump lines aboard his hardtail. Watch Vink turn these trails and massive freeride jumps into a playground in the latest episode of The Athlete Edits.
Nico is all smiles after a solid day biking with the team. Ale di Lullo photo.
Based on Vink's expression, it's safe to say he landed his last run. Ale di Lullo photo.
Vink is well on his way to lacing up this sizable transfer. Ale di Lullo photo.
Looking right at home on immaculately-shaped dirt. Ale di Lullo photo.
