10 Questions With:
Mario Presi.

From BMX tracks to Alpine trails, and from kitchen heat to the Ligurian sun—Mario Presi is anything but your average rider. Based in Finale Ligure, one of Europe's mountain biking meccas, Mario has carved out a unique life on two wheels. Formerly a chef, now a mountain bike guide, he blends his love for speed, nature, and community into everything he does. For 2025, Mario joins the HUNT Wheels and Privateer Bikes family, riding some of the wildest trails with the same precision he once brought to the plate. We sat down with him to talk origins, passions, and what makes Finale so damn special.

10 QUESTIONS WITH MARIO PRESI

Let’s start at the beginning—how did you first get into riding, and what pulled you from BMX into the world of mountain biking?

It all started with my dad—an amateur motocross racer and a professional chef. It was the early ’80s, and E.T. had just landed in Italian cinemas, making those little 20” American bikes all the rage.

I wasn’t allowed to race motocross (thanks, Mom!), so I made do—ripping around on a knockoff BMX, making two-stroke noises with my mouth. Eventually, I got my first real BMX as a graduation gift from elementary school, joined a local club, and ended up winning the Italian junior championship in my first season. That bumped me into the expert class, and from there, I was racing all over Italy and Europe.

Then mountain biking showed up. My first MTB was a Wheeler 900—Tange steel frame, cantilever brakes, no suspension. Back then, it felt like a dream. Looking back now? It was a tank.

But coming from BMX, I didn’t care about the bike—I cared about the riding. For a while, MTB was just off-season fun. Then I moved to the UK, got serious about BMX again, landed a factory ride with Haro BMX UK, and even met Bob Haro himself at a book signing.

At the same time, I rediscovered mountain biking—starting with a second-hand Commencal Meta, then moving on to a Giant Trance SX. I spent every weekend in the Surrey Hills, rain or shine. Later, in Chamonix, I fell hard for raw, natural trails—real mountain riding.
These days, MTB gives me that same freedom and thrill I found in BMX as a kid. I’m super grateful for that.

Finale Ligure is world-famous for mountain biking. What does it mean to you to call it home?

Living here feels like winning the life lottery. Pietra Ligure—just next to Finale—is steeped in history, and today, it’s a mountain biking paradise. Sometimes I still catch myself thinking, Is this real? Riding these trails, sharing them with others, and calling it work… it’s not just a good life—it’s the best life.

Can you describe your journey from being a professional chef to becoming a full-time MTB guide? What sparked the change?

Bikes were always in my life. So was cooking—it’s the family craft. I was a head chef in the UK, then a private chef. But on weekends, I was back on the bike.
When COVID hit, everything shifted. I decided it was time to align my life with what I truly love. So I packed my bike and rode from Chamonix to Padova—a weeklong solo bikepacking trip. Then I rode back through the Dolomites and Swiss passes.
That trip changed everything. It made me realize I didn’t just want riding in my life—I wanted it to be my life. And somehow, I’ve made it happen.

How do your kitchen experiences influence your guiding approach?

Being a chef taught me planning, precision, communication, and consistency. That mindset transfers perfectly to guiding—knowing your trails, managing logistics, staying cool under pressure, and communicating clearly with clients.
My first season with a top guiding company in Finale really drove that home. The parallels between kitchen and trail life? Surprisingly strong.

You’ve guided riders from all over the world. What’s your favourite “secret” trail around Finale—and why does it stand out to you?

There are a few I love—Fast & Furious and Revenant are up there. But when it comes to secret trails? Well… just like a chef doesn’t share all his recipes, I’m keeping those under wraps.

What’s your current bike setup with HUNT Wheels and Privateer, and how does it handle the terrain?

The build’s still coming together (because bike builds love drama), but here’s the gist of my Privateer 161 dream rig:

DVO Onyx 38 170mm fork – full factory livery
DVO Topaz Prime shock – ready to soak up my bad decisions
OneUp carbon bars + stem, Ergon grips
Shimano XT brakes, Galfer 200mm rotors, DeanEasy carbon ceramic pads
HUNT Proven Carbon 29” wheels, Schwalbe Albert Gravity tires
XT 12-speed drivetrain, XTR enduro pedals
OneUp V2 dropper, and still shopping for the perfect saddle
Fidlock water bottle – because magnets are cool

It’s built to party, with just the right amount of overkill.

What’s one unforgettable moment you’ve had while guiding?

There isn’t one single moment—it’s more like a collection of little ones. The quiet joy in a rider’s smile after a great descent, the gratitude at the end of a day… Those small, honest moments are what make this job truly special.

What’s your personal riding philosophy these days? What keeps you motivated?

I used to chase speed. BMX taught me that. But now? I ride for the experience.
I want to discover new trails, get lost on gravel roads, take in the spring bloom on the high trails of Finale. It’s about presence, exploration, and slowing down to enjoy the ride.

Community seems to be a big part of your life. How do you stay connected and contribute to the MTB scene in Finale?

Community is everything. Finale feels like a port—people come and go, but everyone leaves something behind. Those of us who stay? We’ve built something real.
It’s a mix of athletes, creatives, misfits—and it works. We connect, grow, and learn from each other. That’s the real magic of this place.

What advice would you give to someone trying to turn their passion for bikes into a lifestyle or career?

Dream big, find your niche, and connect with people who get you. Show up. Work hard. Keep learning.
The bike industry’s in a rough spot, but there’s a hunger for realness. So be authentic. Be creative. Be bold. That’s when the doors start opening.

Follow the journey: @chefonabike

Mario’s story is one of flow—on the bike, in the kitchen, and in life. He’s a rider who understands that two wheels are more than just a tool for adventure; they’re a way to connect, explore, and inspire. We’re proud to support Mario on his journey and stoked to follow his lines through the dusty singletrack of Finale and beyond. Welcome to the HUNT family, Mario.