Catching Up With a Legend - What's Next For Peaty?

Nov 24, 2015
by Pinkbike Staff  



WHAT'S NEXT FOR

STEVE PEAT?




What can be said that hasn't already been said about Steve Peat? One of the most successful downhill racers of all time, Steve's passion for mountain biking inspired a generation to hit the trails with their bikes and opened the floodgates for every other UK racer who followed in his footsteps to the top of the podium.

After sending ripples through the mountain bike community with last week's announcement and with the end in sight to a career spanning 25-years, what's next for Peaty? As busy as he was dealing with the fallout from last week's news, we managed to grab the big man from Sheffield for a few minutes and ask a few prying questions...



Steve Peat may not be on the World s Team for the first time in decades but he is still here as a course pre runner.

You’ve set the precedent for how to make a long and successful career in mountain biking. Do you think other riders will follow suit, like Greg for example, who’s 35 and still at the top?

Greg has already had a great innings in this sport and I think he will carry on for a long time to come. He’s always been smart with his training and seems focussed to stay around for a while yet.

So, the retirement question. You must have heard that a few times leading up to last week's announcement?

I’ve been hearing it for the last 5 years! Ha-ha! It doesn’t bother me really, it was always going to be my decision and on my terms so it’s almost funny when people kept saying, “Will it be this year?"

www.danose.de www.facebook.com danose.photo
Steve Peat always the master of ceremony
Steve Peat Role Model.

With a space possibly popping up on the Syndicate team in 2017, who would you like to see step into your shoes?

We have such a good crew on the Syndicate, it's hard to picture who could fit in. I have a few in mind, but it's not all my decision at the end of the day.

What are your plans to get the 30-points you need to race World Cups next year?

Go points chasing of course, that or bribe the UCI like Lance would have!

2015 must have been a hard year for you, watching the sport you love from the sidelines. Having some time away from competition, did it give you some perspective and if so, what did you think about?

I mainly thought about my injury and focused on trying to get back on the bike, but it was a really tough one for me as I kept getting setbacks with hamstring tears. I have never had an injury take so long to get sorted, but watching from the sidelines only confirmed how cool my sport is and it was awesome being able to be a fan for a change, and check it out from a different angle. That said, I was always itching to be back on the bike though.

Can you tell us about this Sheffield 'walk of fame'?

The walk of fame is right outside the town hall in Sheffield's city centre and it was a huge honour to be recognized by the people of Sheffield and join some of the greats that are already there. Loads of Sheffield legends in one place.

Steve Peat greets a dissapointed Greg Minnaar after his run. Minnaar went through the tape costing him a podium spot.
Peaty was laughing after his first race run complete with a crash was red flagged. Peaty MKII clean run down the hill and in for 7th.

Steve Peat
Three downhill racers or ex-downhill racer having fun at an Enduro race. I don t know how Kathy Sessler does but she has the worst kids ever

With all the great things you’ve done and achieved for mountain biking in the UK, lots of people have mentioned your name with regards to a being recognized for an MBE for example. Would you like to be Sir Steve Peat?


Ha, I guess that is one title you can’t go out and compete for. To be honest, it's not something that I've thought about at all and I’m happy with what I’ve achieved, and the people that I've helped through mountain biking. I feel like I’ve had plenty or recognition for this already to be honest.

What do you think of British Cycling and the way they have been supporting downhill in recent years?


I feel quite strongly about the lack of support we get from British Cycling. We get a few paid-for flights and hotel rooms at world championships for example, but that does not do any justice to the medals and the championships that downhill racers have won for the UK.

They have also just withdrawn money from the national series (BDS) so we can’t gain any UCI points at national races now as well, and considering how strong a nation the UK is for DH racing, this is only going to backfire massively. What’s the point in any of our world-class guys and girls racing at a national event now? They need more points than ever to be at a World Cup, but they can’t get any in their own country. It's just crazy.


Peatyyy
No racing this year for the main man but Steve was still there on top form and hobbling around the place. Heal up soon Steve.

Does it ever cross your mind that you inspired a generation of riders to not only race downhill, but also become engrossed in MTB as a whole?


It’s not something that I am conscious of really. I just go out and ride my bike and have fun, it’s as simple as that and I just try to pass this on to other people. I really enjoy what I do and I'm glad people can see that.

Where do you see things going with regards to the internet, social media and self-promotion for professional athletes?

In my eyes, this isn't changing and it's always been this way. When I used to work with MBUK and the rest of the UK mags, I always had the results to back up the press I was getting and I always saw the videos, magazine shoots and self-promotion as a part of getting my sponsors and also keeping them happy. I do agree that social media has changed things a fair bit of late, but it's the same principles and a combination of all the above.

Do you think DH racers get paid inappropriately for what they do for their sponsors? What would you like to see change for professional riders in the future?

Yes, in a one-word answer. When you look at the effort and skill-set that a DH racer has compared to many other sports where athletes get well paid, it is certainly annoying. I don’t know how this can change drastically to the level it needs to be at, but hopefully the sport will keep growing and the guys will start getting paid appropriately.

Timeless style Steve Peat givin er on stage 4.

Post 2016 World Cup season, will you continue to work with Santa Cruz and what, if any plans have you got for 2017?

Yes, I will continue to work with Santa Cruz and I’m really looking forward to being a fan on the sidelines at the World Cups.

So, Vallnord, 2016 and the World Cup finals. Are we going to see the party to end all World Cup parties?

Let's get planning!

Cheers Steve!

Cheers!

Posted In:
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Member since Jul 22, 2013
3,460 articles

106 Comments
  • 155 1
 British Cycling need to turn up at a few UK bike events and see how popular the sport is and what talent we have, and no UCI points at BDS rounds, who are these guys?
  • 58 0
 how the f#ck is that possible?! Racing the imo strongest national DH series,with the most competetive field and not gaining any UCI points
  • 40 0
 I was truly shocked to read that there are no UCI points available at the BDS races. I thought part of the role of Britsh Cycling was to promote cycling in all its various forms, I was obviously wrong. British Cycling need to sort their shit out!
  • 23 0
 British Cycling also seem to have completely abandoned Enduro... bizarre that such grass roots disciplines are left on the sidelines whilst they muck about on road bikes.
  • 13 0
 Hold on. no UCI points? When did this happen.? Can't see anything on BDS site or anywhere else.
Not applicable to me but this is utterly shocking if true. .
  • 10 1
 @si-paton what's the deal behind the removal of UCI points at BDS events?
  • 22 0
 It really is time to get the UCI out of mountain biking.
  • 22 0
 BC and UCI are a bunch of absolute clowns. Sack the lot of them.
  • 5 0
 That's incomprehensible,really. Even a small country like Portugal has several UCI-ranked DH races,even if our national federation makes several big mistakes (like only allowing 2 athletes entering the world championship in Andorra,leaving behind other 3 national champions).
  • 7 0
 its the uci,no cash no points for you race,promoters can't make cash,riders can't make cash,so where is the cash for are sport.the USA is still looking for it can't find it and they have the #1 world cup guy,RIDERS need to F,,,, the UCI out of it.get peaty to start new way order of bike race cup or mug.
  • 6 1
 @Martinezorlando Yes, promoters can make cash or why would they go thru so much effort? I agree the UCI, USA cycling, BDS are stealing money from MTB AND BMX and funneling it to roadies
  • 6 0
 BC only care about road and a little bit of XC. The rest is an embuggerance to them. Don't renew memberships!
  • 4 0
 Sounds like British Cycling has taken a page out of USACycling's playbook.
  • 12 0
 I've not long joined British Cycling. After reading this I'm pretty fucking angry, and reckon I'll be cancelling my membership. Considering how successful British downhillers have been over the years, and how many talented young riders are coming through the ranks, pulling funding is disgraceful.
  • 7 0
 what ? can't believe what i am reading about the BDS and also about the lack of support from Cycling UK... seriously i would have never thought that it is this way with all the talent coming from this country. This is unbelievable and unacceptable. Come get your points here in Canada Steve.
  • 6 0
 Sadly BC get all of their funding based on Olympic medals. We can't get a medal for DH and every good XC rider is poached for the road as there's better chances of a podium what with marginal gains and all that. It's a result of the same f'd up government obsession with results and statistics that has ruined our schools and hospitals.
  • 7 0
 I would love to win a crazy big lottery, say $250 million. After taxes say $115 million. I would publicly create a $20-$25 million support fund for USA, UK, Aussie, etc. DH/BMX/4X/DS riders as well as a possible race series. The by laws/charter would state ZERO goes to road or XC....NONE. It would be managed by professionals like a trust for the money to work for itself. Both the riders support fund and any race series IF that came about would be completely free from the UCI and the like, similar to the EWS.

I understand amateur roadies are like golfers, they spend tons of $$. However, I am tired of UCI/USA Cycling, British Cycling, etc. stealing money from gravity and BMX sports. I don't buy the BS the new UCI director says about road supporting MTB. If that is the case, WHY are they taking what little funds away from non-XC MTB/BMX disciplines? They should have just plenty from road $$ to support any Olympic efforts they need.

The dream is there....
  • 13 0
 looks like we need a World Mountain Bike Federation set up. why do we need the uci.
  • 1 0
 World mtb federation = WDC...world downhill championship. MRC...wrc for bikes, mtb rally championship, or formerly called Enduro world series. WXC for cross country.
  • 1 0
 British Cycling must be getting more involved with the e-bike scene, if they sound as dumb as they're being.
  • 1 0
 Ohhh nooo. Need to get some motor companies behind them somehow.
  • 85 0
 bribe the UCI like Lance would have! hahaha.. brilliant what a legend
  • 9 0
 shots fired
  • 8 0
 Lance Armstrong was my idol, then I found Peaty...
  • 34 0
 I don't know the whole situation with the BDS and British Cycling. It would be nice if someone could round up all the facts and figures and make an article out of it. It's kind of unbelievable that they would pull funding from the worlds best domestic race series. It's an absolute farce that riders from a country with such a high amount of dominant world cup racers can't score UCI points from their own national race series. Pinkbike should put someone on the case and get the story out there so we all know the facts. I'd like to hear Si Paton's opinions.
  • 2 0
 From the BDS Facebook;
Here is your answer why..
Bottom line is that BC see the BDS as a private business and have therefore took the stance to start withdrawing funding the BDS. Why should there members subsidise a series that is a commercial entity is their main question.

This has lead to BC looking into who scores the points at BDS UCi events (top 10 or 15 depending on the level of UCi event), (with the new UCi policy being 30 points to enter a World Cup), that those that do score the points already have a wealth of them and are not fighting to scrape 30 points together. There are only two riders that would have benefited this year but they still would have scored very low UCi points at the BDS (For example 10th place scores 1 point at a UCi cat 2 event).

The BDS Team will still put on high level national events on in 2016 with increased services for the riders, spectators and global fans.

To put on a UCi event is costly and possibly only benefits a couple of riders in a small way. It of course impacts UCi Elite Teams as it means they would no longer be entitled to a free entry. Plus does not help with the development of BC Commissaires coming up through the ranks.
UCi events cost:
£1k registration fee
£2-3k additinal prize money
£1k in UCi elite team entries (they get free entries to UCi events so an organiser looses revenue from paying customers)
£2k in commissaire fees (need several of them and you have to pay mileage, hotels, food etc).
Plus a few more hoops to jump through so in total add £7k to the cost to put an event on to have it on the UCi calendar. Therefore you could even suggest that it would be way more economical to gift a few riders an Easy Jet package holiday to the Sri Lankan National Championships next year to gain those needed UCi points.
  • 3 0
 It's a bit shit still though, as those who already have the point won't be around forever. The next generation will need the points, and they'll have to go elsewhere to get them. I understand that Si is trying to mitigate it in order to protect his business (BC were actually right about that) but if future UK riders want to race in the worlds, they'll have to enter a different series.
  • 28 2
 Here is your answer..
Bottom line is that BC see the BDS as a private business and have therefore took the stance to start withdrawing funding the BDS. Why should there members subsidise a series that is a commercial entity is their main question.

This has lead to BC looking into who scores the points at BDS UCi events (top 10 or 15 depending on the level of UCi event), (with the new UCi policy being 30 points to enter a World Cup), that those that do score the points already have a wealth of them and are not fighting to scrape 30 points together. There are only two riders that would have benefited this year but they still would have scored very low UCi points at the BDS (For example 10th place scores 1 point at a UCi cat 2 event).

The BDS Team will still put on high level national events on in 2016 with increased services for the riders, spectators and global fans.



To put on a UCi event is costly and possibly only benefits a couple of riders in a small way. It of course impacts UCi Elite Teams as it means they would no longer be entitled to a free entry. Plus does not help with the development of BC Commissaires coming up through the ranks.
UCi events cost:
£1k registration fee
£2-3k additinal prize money
£1k in UCi elite team entries (they get free entries to UCi events so an organiser looses revenue from paying customers)
£2k in commissaire fees (need several of them and you have to pay mileage, hotels, food etc).
Plus a few more hoops to jump through so in total add £7k to the cost to put an event on to have it on the UCi calendar. Therefore you could even suggest that it would be way more economical to gift a few riders an Easy Jet package holiday to the Sri Lankan National Championships next year to gain those needed UCi points.
  • 2 0
 I help to run one of the state series in Australia and can back this up.

If we take on a national event sanctioned by the UCI we can end up severely out of pocket or out of business should something come up like a fire ban. We can end up in a situation where we still have to pay all the costs of running the event but get no race fees.

For many clubs / race series organizers this simply isnt a risk that is worth taking.
  • 2 1
 So in the grand scheme of things this isn't a big issue then really. Sounded worse then it is. I'm guessing this is part of the effort to thin out world cup events that I heard or read. I.e to many lower ranked riders. Going to make the progress up the ladder harder for those attempting it but I guess those with the potential will be taken on by a team prepared to invest in getting them uci points. Harsh but I think I see the benefit.
  • 25 0
 I want a Steve Peat & Rob Warner podcast, please Smile
  • 21 1
 Should we be writing to British Cycling to complain about the UCI points issue? They aren't gonna hear the grumblings on Pinkbike! About to look into sending an email now.
  • 9 0
 or maybe fill up their Faceache page www.facebook.com/britishcycling/?fref=ts
  • 3 0
 Dear Alan, British Cycling continues to provide significant financial support for the British Cycling Mountain Bike Downhill National Series. This support has gradually reduced over the past 4 years with a desire to improve the future sustainability of the national series and the downhill discipline as a whole. This desire has been clearly communicated to the organisers during that period. As is the case with a number of other events across other disciplines we are supportive of the desire for events to be on the UCI calendar but as we are already investing in the series, it is the organisers responsibility to pay the relevant UCI fees and for that to be factored in to the overall series budget. There are obvious benefits for events being on the UCI calendar but at the same time they do need to be considered as the costs increase significantly mainly due to the calendar fees, prize money, UCI commissaire fees and UCI team entries which comes to around 7K per event. If the organiser wishes to pay this out of the event budget then they have our full support to do so. British Cycling have invested over 100K into the downhill National Series alone over the past five years and continues to provide investment with all entry fees and sponsorship going direct to the organiser of the series as a commercial entity. As well as this support for our National series, we continue to invest heavily in DH in many other areas of the sport. This includes delivering all commissaire training, education and support, grass route competition development - with a team of 10 regional staff who support new DH event organisers and are tasked with increasing the number of new DH events on our calendar. We also pick up the cost for insuring all events at a reduced cost to the organiser and we fully support all event organisers with risk management protocol and best practice across the sport. There is also the investment into facilities, GB coaching support for new talent, MTB leadership courses, Go Ride clubs introducing kids to MTBing etc etc. Mountain biking is extremely important to us here at British Cycling with many of the staff coming from the sport itself and who mountain bike regularly so please be assured that we continue to support the sport with significant investment given from grass route to elite
  • 14 1
 Next thing better be a f*cking knighthood. #sirstevepeat
  • 3 0
 If that lycra wearing mod can get a Knighthood surely one must be in the pipeline for Steve.
  • 1 0
 I'm sure when Steve wins the biggest televised cycling race and the Olympic gold in the same year he'll get knighted too. Only trouble is that nobody in the wider public gives a shit about DH compared to road cycling. So it won't happen.
  • 1 0
 I didn't think Knighthoods were given out based on the amount of TV viewers... or that a particular sport was part of the Olympics... I am sure you will agree Steve has done more for cycling than Wiggins has or probably will do.
  • 1 0
 Sorry in case you havent guessed im not a massive fan of road cycling or the MAMILS it inspires.
  • 1 0
 Has he really though? Granted I've been following him since about 1995 and he's been an inspiration to shit loads of kids getting into DH over the years, but I'd put a reasonable sum of money on Wiggins inspiring more people to get out in a track or road bike that Steve has done for mtb.
Just ask any of the major brands about what sells more bikes it gets more people riding, someone winning the tdf or someone being a legendary, heavy drinking and partying rider that wins a load of races.

I like Steve Peat, he's a riding God, and I've wanted a GT LTS DH since I saw him on one on the MBUK team. Still do, but to suggest he's inspired more riders than wiggo is ludicrous.
  • 4 0
 i wish to meet the man one day his section in seasons is what got me into mountain biking and what he has done for the sport is unbelievable all i can say is thank you :

Sir Steve Peat
  • 10 6
 I have one of my drawings signed by him nenene ne ne neee
  • 7 0
 Ditch British Cycling !!! ....
  • 3 0
 First their lack of support for Enduro. Then the fiasco of not sending people to compete the Elite Cross Country at the World Championships, so we lose points for qualification for Rio 2016 and now this. They are a disgrace, I will be cancelling my membership, why should my money go to funding Track & Road Cycling and 2 fingers be stuck up to Mountain Biking. Seems to me to be crap when it comes to BDS being a Commercial enterprise, when they blow sunshine over Prudential Ride in London, or the Aviva Tour of Britain or the fact that BC for the last few years have been in cahoots with that commercial company Sky on the Track & Road. Corruption seems to be alive and well in BC.
Time the UK got a National Mountain Biking organisation, to look after MTB interests, not as some after thought add on to some Track & Road centric organisation. Perhaps Peaty could be the President ????
  • 2 0
 basically British cycling are just road orientated and don't give two hoots about anything other than lycra, skinny tires and tarmac. i feel as if my annual membership money is just wasted plus the fact they pulled the plug to support downhill ment the entry price went through the roof ! just that alone put me off entering. but its such as shame, we have a really good down hill seen and its like Peaty said, its going to backfire in a big way
  • 6 1
 Sort it out PinkBike, Half Rach, half Peaty.

Both legends all the same :-)
  • 2 0
 Sorted :-)
  • 4 0
 no question about trying enduro? even though he's a downhill legend i have to admit I was looking for that question. cheers peaty
  • 1 0
 The biggest question on everyone's mind. Not sure we're ready to hear the answer, probably why they avoided it...haha.
  • 2 0
 British Cycling are an absolute joke. They have just messed up bmx in a big way by not allowing under 13's from gaining any points from National racing. Bmx athletes peak so much younger than athletes from other cycling disciplines so much so that they must start their racing career earlier if they are to have a chance to make it in the Elite ranks. The whole bmx community protested about BC's stance but BC stood their ground and implemented their flawed plan without a care for its members. Essentially, the desicion makers at BC only care for lycra clad cyclsts from road and track racing and the chance of gold medals. I have not renewed my BC membership due to this.
  • 4 0
 So basically CG will be the host of Steve's farewell party? OMG poor racers, it may be more devastating than whole season... so jealous
  • 1 0
 kdstones...........remember you do NOT have to jump on any band wagon for wheel size, cassette size, chain ring size, tubeless, etc.etc. Do what suites you, period. Go have fun on whatever you choose , only" rethink" a bad line choice and do it again !!!
  • 1 0
 One word, Legend! Talking about getting the recognition he deserves Peaty should get the lifetime achievement award at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year. Consistently at the top of his game for 20 years, how many athletes can say that, plus he has inspired some of the best racers in the world today and gives back to the sport he loves with the SPS team. I second thestigmk1 the guy needs to be acknowledged by this Country, simple! the legacy that is this great man will live on.
  • 1 0
 Dear Steve...you gave me inspiration when I was in need and like many here have been in awe of you bike handling skills. Major props for all you have and will do...so.....can we have a Pinkie Party for you next time you are in BC? I would fly there and maybe start drinking.
  • 1 0
 basically British cycling are just road orientated and don't give two hoots about anything other than lycra, skinny tires and tarmac. i feel as if my annual membership money is just wasted plus the fact they pulled the plug to support downhill ment the entry price went through the roof ! just that alone put me off entering. but its such as shame, we have a really good down hill seen and its like Peaty said, its going to backfire in a big way
  • 3 0
 peaty and cedric are the reason i ride DH. they just looked like they were having the most fun ever.
  • 1 0
 Great little interview .A true legend on the track, a MTB ambassador & an awesome down to earth guy off it. Lets hope he can stay fit and stick some runs this year to see his career out in style.
  • 2 0
 thanks for all the great riding memories!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  • 2 0
 Photo with Cedric. U just know that crazy things gonna happen with guys like them.
  • 3 0
 Ed Masters for Santa Cruz Syndicate
  • 1 0
 Not sure if the world would be ready for that. The shenanigans would be off the chart.
  • 2 1
 Peaty for President!!! BDS is that short for British Down Syndrome???? And UCI must be short for United Cheeky Idiots????????????☔️????????
  • 2 0
 He "stole" my beer at the Bromont World Cup one year.... YOU OWE ME A BEER OLD MAN!!!!
  • 3 0
 Sir Peaty! I can get behind that.
  • 1 0
 going to miss the old goat steve is a legend and i no i will be make a trip to fort bill next year Smile
  • 4 2
 is it even allowed for riders to enter the santa cruz syndicate team ??
  • 1 0
 " Go points chasing of course, that or bribe the UCI like Lance would have! "

boom, headshot
  • 2 0
 He should buy that pub in whistler
  • 5 5
 He's having a wood burning stove fitted shortly. I can tell you that much Wink
  • 1 0
 This Is Peaty and Rob's Dirty Business should get combined for a new show!
  • 1 0
 "...or bribe the UCI like Lance would have!"
One word: Legend!!!!
  • 1 0
 Luca shaw Santa Cruz or Finn illes
  • 1 0
 good luck Peaty! I thought that was Guy Martin between you and Ratboy
  • 1 0
 Me too, I remembered this www.youtube.com/watch?v=yaO0j5GT2gs
  • 1 0
 Got taken up Stirling way with some local lads a week or so ago. Some of the best trails I've ever ridden. Also, shows the mark of a gentleman, retiring with grace like that.
  • 2 1
 Really... you didn't even drop the enduro word?
  • 1 0
 an inspiration to a generation
  • 1 0
 What a limp dick bunch of questions PB!
  • 1 0
 What a guy!
  • 1 0
 Cheers mate.
  • 1 0
 He still rides flats Smile
  • 2 1
 enduro
  • 1 2
 oh shit my 2010 signature helmet from peaty doesn't worth a penny right now
  • 2 3
 RANDY for Syndicate. 2017.
  • 5 8
 Get your liver ready for Interbike Peaty!! You, me and some Jagr!! We getting rekt m8!!!
  • 3 0
 I don't know if Jaromir Jagr will be at Interbike, although he is like the Peaty of the NHL
  • 5 0
 I see that, it says JagEr Wink
  • 2 2
 Dammit. Auto correct can die!
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