What does being sponsored entitle you to?

Question

I'm a relatively beginner cyclist and I would like to in the next couple years become sponsored by some company. How do I get sponsored and what does it actually mean to be sponsored in that respect? Do I always have to use their products and can I become sponsored by another company? Thanks, Jay

Thanks for your help. I'm talking about road biking and for the most part I would just like to be a part of a company to keep me motivated. This summer, I look forward to joining both races and sponsored rides. I'm also looking for a biking group to join but I am 18 years old so its hard finding one where people aren't 40 and over.

Answer 1

Sponsorship varies greatly from discounted product to free product to free product and/or money. Generally when you are at the free product level and higher you will have to sign a contract stipulating the terms and conditions of the sponsorship. Are you looking for free bike stuff or some sort of corporate sponsorship? Have you considered joining a team or club as most have some sort of sponsor discount benefits. Are you racing, riding for a cause or just riding? Just riding usually doesn't qualify a person for sponsorship of any kind. To get free product and/or money one must generally be riding for a cause or racing at an elite level. Good luck and ride safe!

Answer 2

You can really ride whatever you want being sponsored as long as you got the label of who you are sponsored by. You have to be very good to be sponsored i have friends that go off 25 foot drops and they are not sponsored. So dont hold your breath on an answer from any sponsor.

Answer 3

For one, you have to be very good to be sponsored, and not only that, you need to be very visual or recognized as to be attractive for a company to sponsor you. You need to be consistent.

What level of sponsorship you get depends on each agreement. Usually, you get cheaper or free stuff, but sort of marry that brand. If Marzocchi sponsors you, you might be free to choose between the All Mountain 1 or AM SL1 forks, but can't go for a Fox or RS.

Sometimes you can get several sponsors, if you're good enough. But that would be on non-competive areas. I doubt Fox and Rock Shox will both sponsor you, but you might get Marzocchi for suspension and maybe Maxxis on tires, it just depends on which agreements you get.

And, you might be required to attend some meetings or other stuff that the company deems important.

Answer 4

You don't always have to be very good to be sponsored. A lot of times, you can earn a spot on a team that is sponsored. These teams can be porfessional, but most are amateur or on a club level. What kind of riding are you talking about? BMX, road?