Mesum Verma 孟虎 - Photographer / Editor-in-Chief
Born in Lucknow, India, and raised in Switzerland, Mesum Verma’s life story reads like an adventure novel. After tragically losing his parents, at the age of five Mesum was taken in by Swiss host parents, marking the beginning of an extraordinary journey that would blend extreme sports, global exploration, and creative passion. From professional snowboarder to renowned international photographer, Mesum has always thrived at the intersection of adrenaline and art.
Traveling the world with top athletes—be it snowboarders, skiers, or mountain bikers—Mesum has captured breathtaking moments from the peaks of the Himalayas to the depths of backcountry trails. His 2008 expedition to Ladakh with Redbull and Scott-sponsored rider Rene Wildhaber made waves globally, as did his 2011 adventure with mountain biking legends Hans "No Way" Rey, Richie Schley, documented in video and print across international platforms.
As his name grew within the global mountain biking and extreme sports scene, Mesum was approached by an Indian mountain biker who sought his expertise in raising awareness for the sport in India. With a deep understanding of media and an entrepreneurial spirit, Mesum co-founded Freerider Mountain Bike Magazine in 2010, Asia’s first dedicated mountain bike magazine. This bold venture paved the way for the launch of mtbmagindia in 2012, now known as mtbmagasia, a leading voice in the Asian mountain biking community. Fast forward to today, and the magazine has reached its 93rd issue, continuing to inspire riders across the continent.
Experience:
Mesum’s career spans over three decades, with an impressive portfolio as a mountain bike guide, sponsored rider, and internationally published sports photographer. He has worked with some of the biggest names in the industry, from Santa Cruz to Scott Bikes, capturing the essence of adventure on snow and dirt alike. As an experienced freerider, cross-country, and downhill racer, his contributions to trail construction in Switzerland and beyond have left a lasting mark on the biking world. His involvement in the extreme sports industry covers 30 years, and his mountain biking expertise extends for 35 years across both XC and DH disciplines.
Brands and Collaborations:
From Redbull and Adidas to iconic biking brands like GT Bicycles and Santa Cruz, Mesum’s collaborations span continents and industries. He’s played pivotal roles as a photographer, editor, and rider, working with leading publications and companies across the globe, including Method Snowboard Magazine, Big Bike Magazine, and Mountain Bike World.
Mesum Verma’s journey is a testament to the power of passion, persistence, and the love of the ride. Whether through his stunning photography or his editorial leadership, Mesum continues to shape the narrative of mountain biking in Asia and beyond.
Companies worked for:
Redbull (International, India) | West Beach Canada (International) | Action Asia Magazine (Hongkong) | Whiteout (Switzerland) | Bike cool Magazine (China) | SP Footwear (International) | Snowboard Canada (Canada) | SBR Snowboard Review (Austria) | Ride Magazine (Switzerland) | Pleasure (Germany) | Playboard (Germany) | Pizol Bergbahnen (Switzerland) | Pedaliero (Germany) | Onbike Magazine (Portugal) | Mountain Bike Magazine (Japan) | Mountain Bike World (Italy) | Big Bike Magazine (France) | Method Snowboard Magazine (Europe) | Ironhorse (Switzerland) | MBM Snowboarder (Germany) | Scott Sports (International) | Adidas (International) | GT Bicycles (International) | Firefox Ltd. (India) | Track & Trail (India) | 41 Publishing (China & Germany) | SDG Components (USA) | OGB Battle Gear (Germany) | Bicycle Ltd. Hongkong (Hongkong) | ION Bike (International) | iXS Sports (International) | Onza Tires (International, China) | S-Parts Titanium (China) | Ferei (China) | SRide (China) | Fifty Fifty Bicycles (China) | Kuang Lan Bicycles Frames (China) | X-Fusion Suspensions (Asia)
逸宸 Yi Chen - Photographer / Editor
I’m a native of Beijing and have been passionate about sports since I was a kid. Track and field, football, and mountain bike downhill have always been my favourites. When I was in junior high school, I stumbled upon mountain bike downhill by chance—and fell in love with it instantly. From that moment on, it became a big part of my life. What started as just a hobby quickly turned into an obsession. Every week, I would head to the mountains around Beijing with my friends to ride and practice.
As time went on, my skills improved significantly, and I began participating in local downhill races. To my surprise, I achieved some great results. In my fourth year of mountain biking, I was sponsored by the GDR Racing Team. At the time, only a handful of riders in Beijing had sponsorships, and I was beyond thrilled to be one of them.
I’ve also always had a passion for photography, which might stem from studying art when I was younger. I picked it up naturally and spent a lot of my free time wandering around the streets, capturing random moments. One day, I thought, “Why not bring my camera to the mountains and take pictures of my friends riding bikes?” That idea turned into something bigger. As I built my portfolio, brands began approaching me to shoot their sports events.
Before the pandemic, I lived a very fulfilling life—competing in numerous events and enjoying every moment. However, in 2022, I tore my ACL during a football match. The injury took a toll on my physical strength and confidence. It was a tough time, but I eventually shifted my focus to photography, primarily in extreme sports. Why? Because I love sports deeply. Although I can’t participate like I used to, capturing those thrilling moments behind the lens gives me the same excitement and sense of belonging.
At first, I only shot cycling events, but over time, I expanded to other disciplines like cross-country running, rock climbing, skiing, skateboarding, and basketball. I’m grateful to still be part of the sports community—just in a different way now.
