Bio
Brian Lopes, 35 years of age and 3X World Champion has had an unprecedented career since becoming a professional cyclist at age 17, he has been labeled by USA Today "Undisputedly the best all around world class cycling athlete". Having raced BMX for most of childhood, he learned how to ride a bike at the tender age of 4, turning Pro at the age of 17 and competing in the BMX circuit for 7 years before channeling all his efforts in 1993 to mountain biking.
He has won over 17 titles in his MTB career, 9 of those on the NORBA National circuit, 5 on the UCI World Cup & 3 prestigious World Championships. After overcoming 2 consecutive injury-prone years he came back in 2005 to win his 3rd World Championship title. He has more UCI World Cup career wins than any other male mountain biker in the history of the sport.
Lopes is one of the most recognizable faces in the sport; known for his flawless style and winning results, he is an inspiration to bikers and action sport enthusiasts around the world. He was nominated in 2001 for an ESPY "Action sport Athlete of the Year" and won two NEA (World Extreme Sports Award) for "Mountain Biker of the Year" in 2000 & 2001.
Beyond the bicycle, in 2005 Brian became a published author when he co-wrote a book with long time friend Lee McCormack titled "Mastering Mountain Biking Skills", which has been printed in 4 different languages. In the off-season Lopes enjoys riding motocross and spending time with his friends. He also trains on his road bike, frequents the gym and gets some water time on his surf board, anything that poses a challenge he is willing to try.
He is the son of Thomas Lopes, an electrician by trade, and his wife, Linda. He was nicknamed Flyin' Brian during his BMX years describing his style-of jumping over jumps that sometimes were only attempted by guys twice his age.
Born Labor Day weekend on September, 6, 1971, Lopes grew up in Mission Viejo, California. He was not in pre-school yet before he took an interest in bikes. At age 4, he rode his #55 Schwinn Pixie with his Rams football helmet on his first track and the rest is history.
Current sponsors: GT Bicycles, Oakley, Bell, Marzocchi, Shimano, Kenda, Easton, Hayes, Sun/Ringle, Fizik, ODI, MRP, Kicker & Troy Lee Designs.
www.brianlopes.com