Becoming a sponsored athlete works in a few different ways. A brand will either approach you, someone will inform the brand of you, or you can approach the brand yourself.
Do not worry if a brand has not scouted you yet.
If you would like to approach a brand here are a few helpful tips to get you started:
1. Make sure you love the brand you're approaching. At the end of the day, you are a walking billboard for the brand so you need to love what you are wearing and riding.
2. Make sure you're active in the sport. There are different routes you can go down but if you're competing, make sure you work hard to get those podium finishes. If you're more of a free rider, get those high quality images. If you're more active on social or have a social channel, make sure your work is high quality and original to your niche.
3. Be nice and friendly. Word travels quickly in smaller industries and if you have a bad attitude then no one is going to want to work with you.
4. Once you are ready, get in touch with the brand, or even better if you can pin down who to contact within the brand. You might get a no, but you might also get a yes...