Catching Up with Tyler Wagoner
The Canyon Lake, California, native has been building momentum all season, earning wins at the Red Bull Tennessee National, the Pro Downhill Series, the Southwest Downhill Series at China Peak, and Sea Otter. Along the way, he's shown a level of composure that stands out well beyond his years, staying focused whether the course is dry, muddy, or lined with some of the sport's toughest competition.
But Tyler's story is about more than podium finishes. From his beginnings in BMX to finding his passion for downhill, he's remained grounded, driven, and committed to having fun every time he throws a leg over the bike.
We caught up with Tyler to talk about his path into racing, what it means to represent IFR, how he balances life off the bike, and the goals he's chasing as his career continues to grow.
Take us back to the beginning. How did you first get into downhill, and what made you realize you wanted to take racing seriously?
I started out racing BMX, and then I saw some of my friends, like Ryder Lawrence, Cash Shaleen, and a few others, racing mountain bikes. It looked like a ton of fun, so I figured I’d give it a shot. I jumped into a couple local downhill races and ended up winning by a pretty good gap. That gave me a lot of confidence and made me realize I could actually be pretty competitive in downhill. From there, I just kept racing more, getting better every weekend, and eventually decided I wanted to take it seriously.
Who has had the biggest influence on you, both on and off the bike?
Honestly, I couldn’t really pick just one person because so many people have helped me along the way. A lot of people have always been super supportive, and I’ve learned a lot from friends and other racers through both BMX and mountain biking. Everyone’s played a part in helping me become a better rider and a better person, and I’m really grateful for all the support I’ve had.
Joining a factory team at 16 is a huge opportunity. What has it meant to you to race with IFR?
It means a lot to me. Without IFR backing me, I probably wouldn’t even have a downhill bike or be racing at the level I am now. They believed in me from the start, and having a team behind me has opened up opportunities I never thought I’d get. It pushes me to keep working hard and do the best job I can representing the team every time I race.
You’ve won across a few different series this year. Is there one result that meant the most to you?
I’d definitely say winning in Vermont. Getting the win there was awesome, but what made it even better was doubling up with my teammate Nate. Sharing that moment with a teammate made the whole weekend even more special, and it’s definitely one of the races I’ll remember for a long time.
Jumping into Elite dual slalom at Sea Otter against a stacked field was a new experience for you. What was it like mixing it up with that level of competition?
Honestly, it didn’t feel all that different from any other race. I just focused on riding my own race and not worrying too much about who I was lined up against. It was really cool being out there with some of the best riders, and it gave me a lot of confidence knowing I could hang at that level. It was a great experience, and I’d definitely like to do more events like that.
How do you handle nerves or pressure on race day, especially in tough conditions?
I usually don’t get too nervous on race day. I just try to remind myself that I’m there because I love racing bikes and having fun. Instead of stressing about results, I focus on riding as well as I can and enjoying the day. Getting to race at awesome venues and hang out with my friends helps keep things pretty relaxed, even when the conditions are rough.
Being 16 means life isn’t just racing. What does a normal week look like when you’re juggling school, training, and traveling?
A normal week usually starts with getting up and knocking out all my schoolwork. Once that’s done, I’ll usually shuttle two or three times during the week to get some good downhill training in. On the days I’m not shuttling, I’ll ride around my neighborhood to stay on the bike. Outside of riding, I like hanging out with my friends, going fishing, or swimming whenever I get the chance. It’s all about finding a good balance between school, training, and having fun.
Looking ahead, what are your goals, not just for racing, but for yourself over the next few years?
My biggest goal is to keep improving every year and keep getting faster. I want to keep learning, gaining experience, and eventually race World Cups against the best riders in the world. Outside of racing, I want to keep growing as a person, stay humble, and make the most of every opportunity that comes my way.
Finish this sentence: “Most people don’t know that I…”
…race bikes all over the world. A lot of people don’t realize how much traveling racing involves or how many amazing places this sport has taken me. I’m really grateful for that because I’ve gotten to meet great people and see places I probably never would’ve visited otherwise.
Is there a quote, saying, or piece of advice that you keep coming back to throughout the season?
The biggest thing I always remind myself is to have fun riding my bike. At the end of the day, that’s why I started racing in the first place. It’s easy to get caught up in results, but I always ride better when I’m enjoying myself. If you’re having fun and putting in the work, the results usually take care of themselves.
