Video: Steve Smith - Blow by Blow Account of His First World Cup Victory

Sep 20, 2012
by Richard Cunningham  
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Steve Smith handily qualified fastest at Hafjell, Norway, and then backed it up with a convincing win at the last stop of the 2012 World Cup Downhill series. It was a storybook ending for his bike sponsor, as the paint was still drying on his Devinci carbon Wilson when he crossed the line, but for the Canadian pinner, Smith's first World Cup victory was the top step of a calculated progression. Smith is steadily moving up the ranks and after crushing all comers at Whistler's Crankworx, followed by a bronze medal at the World Championships, he was firmly in position to nail down the top spot - with only one race left. We let Steve Smith take the story from there:

Steve Smith recounts his first World Cup win at Hafjell
by deceptacon
Views: 33,063    Faves: 103    Comments: 3




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75 Comments
  • 50 2
 I don't think i've seen anyone more awesome looking

On a serious note, great to see this happening after his section in, I think it was seasons?
  • 50 0
 I was just thinking that. It feels like a story that we've been following for years, from those big ambitions with his mother shuttling him for practice to now - super cool story to feel part of.
  • 13 3
 I'd just like to add that i didn't actually watch the video because I'm in South Africa nuff said... it'll be worth the wait though...
  • 6 0
 I think there was a stated goal like "to make a career out of mountain biking". Mission accomplished. I for one will be watching his career for years to come.
  • 16 0
 I agree, as a community it's been awesome to watch Stevie develop and find success since we first saw Seasons a few years back. I think we can say that everyone from Pinkbike to Canadians, to Privateers can say that we're proud of him for trying so hard and taking it so far! Truly an inspiration to everyone.
  • 4 0
 What a legendary stache! Eh
  • 3 0
 Totally awesome dude
  • 6 0
 What a boss, I remember watching a dvd and his mum was driving him up the hills for runs, he said how his dream was to win a world cup, it's been so awesome as a fan watching him get better & better every season, to finally win a world cup. bring on 2013 season carry on the momentum. & how sick is that carbon Wilson??
  • 9 0
 You know, Steve is amazing but I think we must acknowledge Steve's Mom also. It's not every mother that would go the extra length to shuttle their kid up and down a mountain numerous times a day. Mom & Steve, you both earn the Victory. Both of you make me so proud to be Canadian.

Hats off.
  • 2 18
flag Protour (Sep 22, 2012 at 21:43) (Below Threshold)
 That is great, but nothing comparable to the sacrifices Gwin's parents made.

Every racers, and for that matter persons, success is attributable to things they had no control over. There is no such thing as free will or choice; things just unwind from the forces put into them. This is what determines next years World Champion just as it determines what you will have for breakfast tomorrow.
  • 8 1
 Every forum I read Protour is trying to stir up crap. Can pinkbike ban people for being trolls?
  • 3 3
 It was a longshot I was pretty sure nobody in this forum would have the intellectual capability to pursue a debate on the subject of free will, but the gambler in me thought RC might take the bait. If you are curious, which I'm sure none of you are, check out SamHarris.org. My lack of free will tells me the SS will kill it next year.
  • 25 0
 Awesome dude with probalbly the most iconic porn Tash in the business!!!
  • 1 0
 ...may the best 'stache win.
  • 4 8
flag Worm-Burner (Sep 20, 2012 at 16:04) (Below Threshold)
 Hardly an impressive moustache.....yet...
  • 3 0
 He needs a trail-side mentor...

www.pinkbike.com/video/228230
  • 22 1
 if he keeps that mustache he gonna win everything
  • 6 0
 yeah. forget about flat bars. mustache is the newest trend
  • 3 4
 unfortunately duncan riffle has proved that having a great tash doesnt make you any more sick of a rider blasted that's my plan gone to pot!!!
  • 2 0
 What you talking about?? Everybody knows a Tash makes you go faster!....... It helps with the aerodynamics of your face!! Stevie's proved this already!!
  • 15 1
 I would like to see Stevie added to the long list of Canadians standing atop the world cup DH podium! OH WAIT> Second Canadian ever!!! Canadian downhillers countrywide are sharing the stoke for Stevie. I bet Shandro is also stoked that he's not alone in this category anymore. all be it 20 years later. Maybe this will light the flame under the ass of local Dh racers country wide. Way to go man!!!!!
  • 7 0
 i'm still surprised we don't have more racers near the top of the world cup results. i understand that we are a small country by population, but we are a small country with some of the best mountains in the world...
  • 6 0
 And who doesn't want to move to canada? makes no sence to my why you guys arent just destroying WC
  • 14 2
 An then theres Australia, which is flatter than a sheet of paper and we have consistently produced top class WC riders. Go figure?
  • 3 1
 The fact that our mountains are cover in snow more than half the year is a big limiting factor in DH racer development.
  • 4 1
 Canada has pars and maintained trails so more DJ/slope riders. Australia has no parks and most of the tails are rough as guts, more like WC DH courses
  • 4 1
 The fact that our mountains don't exist is a big limiting factor in DH racer development. Oh, wait, Troy Brosnan. Never mind.
  • 3 0
 sam hill, mic hannah...
  • 6 1
 canada and australia are close in population, and although aus is flat as f*ck, it seems to have a very strong regard for amateur sports and development. not to mention a social collective that values athletic pursuits- especially competitive ones. which seems to make for good bike riders. canadian mtn biking as i see it seems to enjoy a freeriding and social focus in regards to riding more then a racing focus. not everywhere, not everyone, but i see a lot of canadians truly enjoying the ride, and pulling over for a high five and an " enjoy the view", as opposed to being in a rush to get down the hill as fast as possible.
  • 3 1
 and lets face it, when it comes to competition, we seem to like chasing each other around on ice, and beating the fuck out of each other rather than racing as well lol
  • 12 0
 Seems a humble kid. I like that. Still think his race kit should be fully denim tho.
  • 8 0
 Or flannel.
  • 1 0
 both perhaps?
  • 10 0
 canadian tuxedo call up TLD
  • 10 0
 "if we're not pedaling then i guess we can't really call ourselves athletes if we're just coasting down hills..." steve, you are wise beyond your years. :-)
  • 8 1
 Kick Ass! Its aboot time a Canadian actually won.... Go get em Stevie!
  • 5 1
 With a title like "Blow by blow" I bet Stevie will be on Twitter in no time with a "not homo" tweet - never mind the Freddy Mercury 'stache.

Good job on the win tup
  • 2 0
 All this comentary about Stevie's 'stache reminded me of something. Anybody familiar with "The Tick" cartoon, specifically the episode entitled "That Mustache Feeling"? If not, here's a link to part 1 on youtube youtu.be/VMZxm-EisrQ Part 2 is on there as well.
  • 4 0
 Being clipped in is about to become even bigger due to the simple statements made here by mr smith.
  • 1 0
 Yes, but he also stated that flats were more fun. Fun vs. speed will be an interesting on-going discussion.
  • 1 0
 i had the privelage of meeting steve while i was in vegas at interbike, out of all of the pro riders and industry riders that i had known of for a loong time now, steve was super approachable and just all around rad to talk to. thanks steve for being a kick ass ambassador for the canadian cycling scene, and hopefully we'll see you dropping more crippling finishes in seasons to come!
  • 2 0
 He does have the quietest bike I have ever not heard. At Crankworx it was really hard to tell he was coming.

And he does float!! www.pinkbike.com/photo/8520980
  • 3 0
 I swear he slowly gets burnt by the sun as the video progresses Razz re-apply champ! Big Grin
  • 3 0
 more wins to come definately
  • 1 0
 i second that
  • 1 0
 Time to set new goals!!!! What a down to earth guy, we need more like him not only in our sport but in general. Keep the 1st places coming Steve. saludos
  • 5 2
 Stud alert
  • 1 0
 As mention over.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=VqCQEvAfeRQ
(The clip where he`s mom is driving him uphill)
  • 4 1
 look at that stache!!!
  • 2 0
 I want one of those truvativ beaters!
  • 1 0
 Well done dude and you did it with a moustache pedobear would be proud of Razz
  • 1 0
 Awesome video. Well worth watching. Well spoken and professional. VI represent.
  • 1 0
 Intellectual rider ,that Reflects the beauty of the sports Wish him many more wins!!!
  • 2 0
 where can I get a truvativ tank top?
  • 1 0
 He's so right about no cooler sound than the tires cruising the dirt and skimming the rocks. Love that sound.
  • 3 1
 trucker mustache xD
  • 1 0
 Hmm blow by blow cant know what to think about that title
  • 1 0
 I´m wondering how many canadians grown their mustashe after sunday....
  • 2 0
 Such a legend
  • 1 0
 Class act. Way to go Stevie!
  • 1 0
 Congrats to Stevie, but I think Nigel it right.
  • 1 0
 Could not had happened to a nicer guy
  • 1 0
 this guy is my inspiration
  • 1 0
 hes bringing the nathan rennie back :]
  • 1 0
 Way to go Stevie!
  • 1 1
 Big win for his first sponsor too
  • 1 0
 THAT WAS AWESOME!
  • 1 0
 like a boss!!!!
  • 1 0
 Pretty Kewl dude.
  • 1 0
 Damn miss you Stevie
  • 3 4
 Keeping. It. Real.
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