Interview Brage Vestavik: Jah-Dropper Vestavik - the freeride pro speaks plainly
Dimitri Lehner
· 08.06.2025
Norwegian mountain biker Brage Vestavik has established himself as one of the most spectacular freeriders on the scene in recent years. Born on 2 February 1999, the young Norwegian catapulted himself into the spotlight of the international mountain bike scene with his sensational video for the 2021 X Games Real MTB competition. His edit, which was filmed by his Norwegian friends and accompanied by dark Viking metal, caused open mouths and storms of enthusiasm in the community.
From X Games to Jah Drop
Vestavik's riding style is characterised by a mixture of technical precision and seemingly limitless courage. In his X Games video, he showed massive drops in mud landings, self-constructed wall rides at dizzying heights of up to 10 metres and tricks that have never been seen before in this form.
YouTube influencer Elias Schwärzler commented enthusiastically: "The sickest video I've ever seen!" Although Vestavik only came second behind Brandon Semenuk in the official competition, he won the audience award with an unprecedented percentage of votes.
From downhill to freeride
What many people don't know: Brage Vestavik has his roots in downhill racing. For years, the blonde Norwegian with the distinctive moustache took part in Downhill World Cup races and the infamous Red Bull Hardline events.
This experience on the racing circuit forms the foundation for his impressive freeride skills. The combination of speed, technical ability and willingness to take big risks makes Vestavik one of the most exciting riders on the current scene.
Red Bull Rampage & the highest drop
In 2021, Brage Vestavik received an invitation to the prestigious Red Bull Rampage, probably the toughest freeride competition in the world. The mountain bike community was looking forward to his debut, as it was hoped that he would provide an exciting counterbalance to the increasingly slopestyle-orientated focus of the event.
Vestavik did not disappoint: he built the highest drop in the history of the Red Bull Rampage to date with a height of over 14 metres. Unfortunately, he injured himself on this massive feature during training and was unable to take part in the final. Nevertheless, he left a lasting impression with his line and his courage.
The legendary Jah drop
Brage Vestavik reached the highlight of his career and one of the greatest tests of courage in freeriding in 2023, when he dared to repeat the legendary Jah Drop, a 17 metre high jump that was considered almost unconquerable in the early years of freeriding.
Pioneer Josh Bender made four unsuccessful attempts at this drop in the early 2000s, which emphasises the difficulty and risk of this stunt. Vestavik's successful mastery of the Jah drop caused an international sensation and cemented his reputation as one of the bravest and most skilled freeriders of his generation.
Vestavik's influence on the scene
Brage Vestavik's rise has had a lasting impact on the freeride scene. His uncompromising style and willingness to push the boundaries of what is possible are inspiring a new generation of riders.
At the same time, he has shown that a solid foundation in racing can be an excellent basis for spectacular freeride performances. With his blend of technical ability, creative line choice and sheer boundless courage, Vestavik has clearly raised the bar for future freeride projects.
Brage Vestavik: What I've always wanted to say ...
I was dropped off on the mountain top in Alaska and had to find my way down alone. I was really scared. That scared me a lot more than my high drop in the X Games Edit or the drop at the Red Bull Rampage.
The last edit that impressed me: "Fool's Errand" by Paul Genovese. Because it's creative and stylish. It reminded me of the NWD days, but in a new-school way. You can see high-level riding.
My girlfriend lives in Pemperton, B.C. The dream spot. We only have to take one step outside the front door and we're on the best trails in the world - it really is incredible. If you look closely, you can see stunts from the action film NWD.
My father is my greatest hero. That sounds strange, but it's true. He has supported me all my life, never pushed me too hard and always gave me my freedom. He's 61 years old and in great shape - we often go cycling together.
I know, vegan is hip. But one thing should never be missing in my fridge: Meat. When I stayed with freeride star Andreu Lacondeguy for three weeks for a film shoot, we grilled steaks every day. I always like that: steak and beer.
It is said that the younger generation is effeminate. That's not true in Norway. We chop holes in the ice in winter, go swimming and have a blast.
I've already done much more than I ever dreamed of - keyword: bucket list. Everything else seems like a bonus to me.
My girlfriend started biking last year, but she can already keep up. She grew up skiing and snowmobiling. She has no fear of contact, she is a "bad ace".
I haven't ridden in the Whistler bike park for years. I like the trails around it better. Also on the Northshore in Vancouver. There are historical spots hidden everywhere that I know from the "New World Disorder" films. That's great.
Our lifestyle in Norway is a little more rustic than anywhere else in the world. For example, we dig holes in the ice in winter and go swimming. We've been doing that as a family since I was little. It's an outdoor life that we live there.
I used to ski a lot. Then at some point I stopped. I could imagine a life where I skied half the year and rode my bike the other half.
I don't actually go on holiday in the traditional sense. My last holiday took me to Hawaii for just under a week last November. Jason from GT Bikes invited me and we flew to Kauai. It was an obvious choice as I was spending some time in California working for my sponsors and my girlfriend was with me. That's why it felt a bit like a holiday.
I used to ride in the Downhill World Cup. But not for a long time. And now I don't even follow the races anymore. I used to do that a few years ago. But that's mainly because the World Cup is no longer broadcast on Red Bull TV. That made it very easy to watch.
I've had a lot of injuries in my career and I can still feel every single one of them. My back torments me the most. I'm now getting the bill for all the hard work building trails, shovelling, lifting, lifting, hauling.
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Dimitri Lehner
Editor
