How a Shovel Built Vero Sandler's Freeride Career

Jennifer Miller · 2026-09-15

Vero Sandler didn't start her career on a podium. She started it with a shovel in her hands. Today, she's one of the most creative freeriders in the sport, but her path wasn't a straight line. We visited her home in North Wales to talk trail building, community, and why great riding begins long before the drop in. ### From World Cup Racer to Trail Builder As a teenager, Vero had one goal: race the Downhill World Cup. After being selected for the Junior World Championships, she dropped out of university and threw herself into racing. For three years, she followed the circuit, racing around the world each summer and returning to New Zealand each winter. But after the 2016 season, she couldn't afford the flight home. So she stayed in Wales, got a job, and started building trails. That practical decision became the turning point. "Everything just fell into place without me really planning anything," she says. "Which is extremely lucky." ### A Backyard That's More Than Just Jumps Vero's backyard is a masterpiece. Huge jumps, perfectly sculpted berms, and a shipping container that doubles as a start drop. It's not just a place to ride; it's a place where friends gather. On any given evening, you might find her partner Sam Hodgson, Kade Edwards, and Kaos Seagrave sessioning the jumps. But it never feels like a staged event. It's just an ordinary evening in Vero's world. What makes it special is the vibe. Everyone is welcome. Everyone digs. And that's what gives the place its energy. Vero isn't just focused on her own riding; she wants everyone to have fun and feel included. > "Riding is for sure more fun. I build so that I can ride. It's all in the name of biking." ### Why Trail Building Matters For Vero, riding always comes first. But almost everything that defines her riding today can be traced back to trail building. Building trails taught her how to shape features, how to flow, and how to create lines that feel effortless. It also gave her a community. - **Creativity:** Building allows you to experiment and create unique features. - **Community:** Trail building brings people together and fosters a sense of ownership. - **Progression:** When you build your own jumps, you can progress at your own pace. ### The Takeaway Vero's story is a reminder that the best riders aren't just athletes; they're builders. They shape the sport from the ground up. So next time you're out on the trails, remember: every jump, every berm, every perfectly sculpted line started with someone picking up a shovel. And that someone might just be the next freeride star.