Vitus Supports Privateer Racing

Vitus is a brand for real riders, so the world of privateering is very close to our hearts. With many Vitus staff being weekend racers themselves, we know the hardships and logistical challenges at hand. Racing bikes as an unsponsored rider isn’t cheap, nor is it easy – but the passion often outweighs the sacrifice.

We are dedicated to providing support to the people who do it for the love of racing. Giving privateer racers access to performance is something that we’re proud to be known for. Our aim is simple: we want to give them one less thing to worry about. That way they can concentrate on the important stuff, like whether to sleep in the van or splurge on a hotel room.

The DirtFund Vitus Privateer Programme

What started out as a random Instagram message has now materialised into one of the UK’s biggest privateer support programs: the DirtFund Vitus Privateer Programme. Every year we work with The DirtFund Project to choose three riders of mixed gender and help support them with bikes. That’s not all though – the crew at the The DirtFund Project have done an amazing job drumming up support from other brands to bring a well-rounded support package to help privateer MTB riders chase their dreams.

This isn't a job; nobody gets paid to provide these resources. They do it purely for the love of racing mountain bikes. We couldn't be more stoked to support such a solid crew.

Collectively, all our Privateers have accomplished some amazing things. From racing a stacked calendar of Enduro World Series and World Cup Downhill rounds to national and local enduro events, you’ll spot their smiling faces between the tape (and sometimes on the podium) all season. We couldn’t imagine a better way to represent what Vitus is about.

Our Privateers

Tom Moore
Laura Allen
Michelle Muldoon
James Whitby
Myles James

In 2023 and beyond, we want to keep the good times rolling. The DirtFund Privateer Programme is back and recruiting some fresh faces – and this time we’ll be inducting some North American and European riders into the family too. If you’d like to be sponsored by Vitus and the DirtFund, click the link below.

Apply For DirtFund Vitus Privateer Programme

Now on to what we came here for: episode two of our Rider Stories. For this one we took a bunch of our Privateers up to North Wales for some top shredding and trailside good times, and we asked the question: what’s it really like to be a privateer racer?

We hope you enjoy!