A story about riding, travelling and the people brought together by a passion for mountain biking.
I took up mountain biking at 28 after moving from Mauritius to Queenstown.
Groundwork follows my riding, the people around me, and my dream of bringing what I’ve learnt from the people I’ve met and the time I’ve spent riding and building trails around the world back home to Mauritius.
Back row Kaos Seagrave, Sam Purdie.
Middle row Viktoria Jahova, Matteo Verdier, Guillaume Briand.
Front row Matteo Iniguez, Hugo Frixtalon, Henri Fayolle.
We begin in Mauritius, getting to know the island through its markets, small shops and meals shared around a table. Along the way, we discover its mix of cultures and the people who make it home.
That journey takes us south to Chamouny, where we discover Mo’Bike, explore its trails and meet the people behind the bike park. It’s an introduction to the island and the possibilities it holds for mountain biking.
Queenstown is a place built around mountains, movement and the outdoors. Far from Mauritius I found a new home, where everything shifted.
Where we areMauritius, Queenstown and a first European stop are on film. The journey continues, with the race ahead next season.
I have an amazing opportunity to take part in the UCI Downhill World Championships in 2027. I’ve started working with Rory at Onward Mountain Biking Coaching, and I’m learning so much. Seeing that progress makes me even more excited for what’s ahead.
I’m looking forward to being there, riding alongside people I’ve watched for years and learning from the experience. I hope taking part can bring a little more attention to downhill in Mauritius, and show younger riders back home that there could be a place for them there too.
Travelling with my bike has taken me from the trails of Finale Ligure to the ridges above Avoriaz and the forests of Canada. It gives me a way to get to know a place, usually through the people who ride there.
This chapter brings together those trips. Riding with friends, trying unfamiliar trails, and finding places I probably wouldn’t have visited without a bike.
The bike became a reason to go places. To stay a little longer. To meet people I would never have crossed paths with otherwise.
What stays with me is often what happened around the riding. Time with friends, a night in a hut, the feeling of being somewhere together.
Everything the bike taught me abroad is coming back to Mauritius. I want to lend a hand to the riding community here, sharing what I’ve learned and helping the sport grow alongside the people already doing the work.
At Mo’Bike, we filmed a section of La Faya, an amazing flow trail built by Christopher, Patrick, Anil and the Mo’Bike crew.
A big thank you to Jean-Baptiste and his team at Mo’Bike for starting this amazing project, and for all the work they’ve already done. I’m looking forward to getting involved, bringing people I’ve met through riding into the project, and contributing wherever my experience can help.
We plan to start working on the film’s promotion around mid-2027, as we get closer to the final cut.
We’re aiming for a release in summer 2027–2028.
Thank you for backing this year, even when it changed shape. Everything filmed so far happened with your support. Stay with us into next season.
Following along, sharing the story or lending your expertise all help bring Groundwork to life. Every kind of support is welcome.
Support the project as we help build trails and promote Queenstown and Mauritius as mountain biking destinations.
We’re connecting riding communities in Mauritius, Queenstown and beyond, creating opportunities for Mauritian and international riders to ride together and experience the island.
