Getting to Know Matt Stuttard

Aug 13, 2016
by Matt Wragg  
Matt Stuttard GTK logo


Matt Stuttard


At the last EWS round in Aspen Matt Stuttard blitzed his way to a stage win on the burly final stage. A complete privateer who has flown under most people's radar to this point beat the sport's most established riders. We caught up with him to find out more about just who he is.

Colorado USA. Photo by Matt Wragg.

Who is Matt Stuttard?

A privateer rider focusing on his first Enduro World Series year, but still racing some DH World Cups.

Where are you from and where do you live?

Burnley born and bred (near Manchester UK).

Colorado USA. Photo by Matt Wragg.

Who do you ride for?

I'm a privateer but get support from Fox Head Europe, MucOff, Shimano, RideOn bike shop, Online Bearings, Spiral GFX, 5.10, Works Components, Mudhugger.

Where are you happiest?

When in the mountains riding my bike; backcountry freeride skiing and chilling at home with family and friends.


What’s been your favourite race/contest venue?

For DH it is Hafjell bike park Norway, purely for its flat out speed and big jumps. In enduro, Bariloche Argentina, that place was like riding fresh powder but on a bike (I've not been to Whistler yet).


What are your strengths?

I love going fast and hitting big jumps. When everyone is uncomfortable at the high speeds or a big huck, I'm in the deepest speed tuck or the first to send the gap, buzzing.

What are your weaknesses?

18 minute flat pedally stages, where I live there are no hills to train on for these type of stages - the hills around me are 1:30-2 minutes long. I guess if I land myself on a team I'll be able to spend my money on a dietitian, personal trainer and better training facilities.

What’s been your worst crash over the years?

2014 South Africa World Cup, flipped over the bars, flying of a jump at 37mph going into the big tabletops & thought I'd ended my life... 2015 pre-season training Spain, clipped a tree with my pedal sent me OTB of a drop and landed funny in a rock. First day, second warm up run. Grade 4 shoulder separation (pins in shoulder).

What’s been your luckiest escape?

2014 South Africa World Cup crash, although the medics wanted me to get checked for internal bleeding, broken ribs and shoulder, I crawled away unbroken, just battered and bruised.

Which bike from over the years, conjures up the best memories?

2010 Kona Stinky, The most badass bike out there. Everyone has to start on a Stinky, right? 2016 Mondraker Dune XR Carbon. I love how it handles anything from trail centers to full on DH tracks and I just had my best result yet, winning an EWS stage on it.

What bikes are you riding right now?

2016 Mondraker Dune XR Carbon, 2016 Mondraker Summum Pro team Carbon and a Saracen jump bike

Who’s your favourite rider?

Ratboy, purely for his style, personality and the time he has for people.

Who or what inspires you?

Steve Peat, Valentino Rossi, James Stewart all for their dedication to the sport they do and the achievements these athletes have gained over the years.

What do you enjoy doing away from bikes?

Riding moto, there is no feeling like keeping that 450f wide open. Freeride skiing, hitting powder fields, cliff drops and sending flips. Also the odd night out on the pull with the lads, letting some steam out...

What are you listening to right now?

Sean Paul all time, ledge.

Colorado USA. Photo by Matt Wragg.

What’s your favourite movie/ TV show?

Don't watch much TV but don't mind a bit of corrie whilst having my tea (it's a northern thing).

What’s your favourite non-bike website?

Youjizz (18+), Vurbmoto and Shock Mansion.

What’s your favourite motto or saying?

Keep it Lit, YOLO, Jesusssss.

What grinds your gears?

Negative and boring people, I don't understand them. But other than that I'm a pretty chilled out guy.

What makes you happy?

Riding bikes, hitting big jumps and flat out speeds, girls & hangin' with mates. Life in general..

If you weren’t a pro mountain biker, what would you be doing?

Racing moto, freeride skiing or "get a normal job" as people tell me... I'd like to finish my plumbing degree off as well at some point, maybe.

If you were in charge of the sport, what changes would you make?

We need jumps, more and more jumps. Also tape the tracks a little different, ie., stop all the big French lines...

When you hang up your racing / riding shoes, how do you want to be remembered?

A legend and the same guy I started off as (that kid from Burnley), I guess.

What does the future hold for Matt Stuttard?

A career in mountain biking, to keep improving my results until there is no room for improvement, oh and a MILF in a Range Rover (hopefully).

Author Info:
mattwragg avatar

Member since Oct 29, 2006
753 articles

25 Comments
  • 44 2
 What does the future hold for you? " A MILF in a range rover" ahhahaha love this guy!
  • 3 8
flag taskmgr (Aug 13, 2016 at 8:18) (Below Threshold)
 A woman with kids = baggage. Nah on that one hahah
  • 4 2
 Sean Paul and Ratboy
  • 3 2
 @makripper: They could be his kids.... I like the comment.
  • 1 3
 @inverted180: true hahah
  • 24 4
 bet dave trump is spewing about this
  • 3 2
 Would have been the ultimate redemption if Dave had done this interview.
  • 2 6
flag knarrr (Aug 13, 2016 at 11:38) (Below Threshold)
 Make pinkbike great again!
  • 5 2
 There is no redemption...
  • 21 2
 Well done pinkbikers! Matt got what was deserved.
  • 13 1
 Not sure I've ever seen anyone mention a porn site in one of these interviews before (what's you favorite non-bike website). Thats pretty straight up. BTW - The video clip of this guy from Aspen bombing an off camber with only one wheel in the rut was ridiculous.
  • 2 1
 I think angel suarez did in his too haha
  • 7 1
 You can take the lad from Burnley, but you'll never take Burnley from the lad..... Keeping it real Matt..............
  • 7 2
 Most honest one of these yet. If a bit optimistic.
  • 4 1
 you must not have read the Makken interview.
  • 3 1
 Remember seeing Matt up what was at the time cockhill mtb park and thinking this lad will make it big one day. Good interview. Keep it going lad good luck????
  • 4 1
 Good on ya, PB!
  • 1 4
 I wouldn't pick James Stewart for dedication to his sport. Guy is the one of the greatest talents but has so rarely applied himself.
  • 7 0
 @powderturns Yea only 48 supercross wins.
  • 1 1
 @TheMastodon: touché. I just don't think James got the most out of himself is all. Amazing talent (one of the best ever), but dungey, villo both got more from lesser abilities imo.
  • 1 2
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