How a Shovel Turned Vero Sandler Into a Freeride Legend

James Moore · 2026-09-15

### The Backyard That Became a Bike Park Most riders dream of competing on the world's biggest stages. Vero Sandler built her career from the ground up—literally. Tucked away in the lush green hills of North Wales, her home looks ordinary from the outside. But step into the backyard and you'll find something else entirely: massive jumps, perfectly sculpted berms, and a shipping container that doubles as a start ramp. It's less a garden and more a full-blown bike park. For Vero, this isn't just a place to ride. It's the foundation of everything. "Riding is for sure more fun. I build so that I can ride," she says. That simple philosophy has shaped her entire approach to the sport. ### From World Cup Racer to Trail Builder Vero's story didn't start in Wales. As a teenager growing up in New Zealand, she had one goal: race the Downhill World Cup. She was selected for the Junior World Championships, dropped out of university, and spent three years chasing the circuit. Summers were spent racing around the globe; winters were back home in New Zealand. Then came 2016. After the season ended, she couldn't afford the flight home. So she stayed in Wales, found a job, and planned to wait out the winter. That practical decision changed everything. She stopped racing against the clock and discovered a different side of mountain biking—one built on community, creativity, and dirt. "Everything just fell into place without me really planning anything," she recalls. "Which is extremely lucky." ### More Than Just Riding: Building Community When we visited Vero, her backyard was buzzing. Her partner Sam Hodgson was there, along with Kade Edwards and Kaos Seagrave. It wasn't a staged event—just an ordinary evening session with some of freeride's biggest names. And that's exactly how Vero likes it. She's warm, open, and always smiling. But what stands out most is how she looks out for everyone around her. While others send jumps and play with her dogs, she's making sure everyone feels welcome. "She doesn't just want to ride herself," one friend told us. "She wants everyone to ride." That spirit is what makes her backyard special. It's not an exclusive training ground. It's a place where friends gather, everyone digs, and the energy comes from shared passion. ### Why Trail Building Matters For Vero, trail building isn't just a means to an end. It's a way of life. Almost everything that defines her riding today can be traced back to the hours she spent with a shovel in her hands. Building trails taught her how to read terrain, how to shape lines, and how to create flow. It also taught her patience. Freeriding isn't just about going big—it's about knowing when to send it and when to wait. That wisdom comes from understanding the dirt beneath your tires. ### The Takeaway Vero Sandler's journey is a reminder that great riding begins long before the drop-in. It starts with community, with creativity, and with a willingness to build something from nothing. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, there's a lesson here: the best lines aren't found. They're made. So next time you're out on the trail, take a moment to appreciate the work that went into it. And maybe, just maybe, grab a shovel and build something of your own.