Unique partnership with Kubota allows open bike choice and supports trail building work
For the 2026 mountain biking season, freeride champion athlete Carson Storch has signed Kubota Tractor Corporation as his title sponsor, marking a major shift away from traditional bike brand exclusivity, and a new way for Kubota to build its brand.
Under this agreement, Storch is no longer limited to riding frames from a single bike manufacturer. Instead, he can choose different bike frames based on performance and project needs, all finished in Kubota’s signature orange color. This approach allows greater flexibility in competition, filming, and training throughout the season.
Storch plans to ride a variety of bikes, including a downhill prototype from Zink Bikes, as well as other frames he trusts for freeride and slopestyle riding. This freedom gives him the ability to experiment and push his riding further, something rarely possible under standard sponsorship contracts.
The partnership also reflects Storch’s work beyond competition. He is an experienced trail builder and will use Kubota compact construction equipment to help design and build trails with Oregon-based trail organizations. His work focuses on creating safe, progressive trails and jump lines that support the next generation of riders.
Kubota equipment has already played a role in improving Storch’s personal training area and regional trail systems near Bend, Oregon. The machines allow him to move earth efficiently while maintaining precision, supporting both trail quality and sustainability.
“Carson’s backroads upbringing, digging dirt and building jumps for freeride mountain biking, makes this partnership a natural fit for Kubota. He’s spent his life carving new trails into mountains, and we build durable, reliable equipment for people who take on tough terrain and big jobs with that same passion,” said Theresa Duncan, Associate Marketing and Advertising Director, Kubota Tractor Corporation.
“Through partnerships like this, we’re proud to celebrate real world Kubota customers who value hard working equipment and stay true to our mission of empowering our customers to blaze new trails, tackle tough jobs, and push past boundaries,” said Duncan.
Overall, the collaboration shows how partnerships rooted in shared values can create long-term benefits for sport, communities, and industry alike.