Steve Smith: in his own words

Source: Ryan Kuhn and all pics by phunkt.com.

Steve Smith (Evil /Red Bull) has become a household name in the DH racing world and is Canada’s hopeful for a World Cup podium. In 2009, he had a break-out year with consistent top 10 finishes – including the World Championships in Canberra, Australia. Pinkbike caught up with Steve as he started a new cycle of training in preparation for the 2010 World Cup schedule. Part One of this two-part feature is an interview in his own words. Part Two provides a closer look at how Steve prepares himself physically and mentally to beat the best in the world.

Interview inside,
Part 1: In His Own Words

Vitals:

Steve or Stevie?: Whatever you like
Age: 20
Home: Vancouver Island, BC
Height: 5’10”
Occupation: Mountain bikes
Pre-occupation: I worked at Tim Hortons when I was 15 to save for my first season
Sponsors: Evil bikes, Red Bull, Troy Lee, Oakley, 5-10
Musical preferences: Metal!
Left foot or right forward: Right
Resting heart rate: 56... Lower at wake
Times you say “eh” in a day: Not sure if I count that high
Pet: None
Pet peeve: Excuses
Favourite colour: Green
Times your mother shuttled you: Millions
Car you now drive: N/A due to loss of driver’s license. Few more months and I’m back on the streets haha!
Favourite DH track: Mt. Prevost, trail called Patch Works
Wet or dry: Wet
Roots or Rocks: Both
What makes you tick?: Scaring myself

Ok, enough of that…let’s get to it:

You had a break-out year on the World Cup. What were the highlights from your perspective?
Highlights in my perspective would be Maribor, Mont-Sainte Anne and Canberra. Maribor and Sainte Anne were my two best finishes on the World Cup. Both super sick tracks. Long, rough and gnarly. Canberra was cool to me because I was able to prove I have more than just one side to racing. It was a very pedally track with not a ton of technical. Top ten result at World Champs is what I aimed for, but to get it on this track where I least expected it pumped me up and showed that hard work helped me.


Do you favour one type of World Cup track over another? Do you have a favourite?
I’m one of those guys that can have fun on a shitty corner off the side of your driveway. Every track I go to I say is my favourite. I can’t really choose because everywhere I raced this year, I had a ton of fun. If I had to pick one, I’d say Maribor was my fav. Super fast and has everything from steep to fast and roots to rocks. Really sick track.

What do you do to prepare mentally and physically for competing at the World Cup level?
Well, Todd (Schumlick, of PerformX) helps me a lot with not only physically but mentally as well. He helps me prepare over the winter to give me the confidence I need to feel strong before a race. I spend a lot of time in the gym and riding my bike. If you feel that you have the physical condition with the skill, then the mental is good to go. If you know you're strong and can ride your bike you’re going to have the confidence you need.

Have you avoided the injury bug this year?
YES, for the first time ever. I wasn’t happy crashing the last two World Cups but to finish the season injury free and be able to come home to my local trails was an amazing feeling. First time in a while that I was able to ride my bike after October.

Every year you get faster and notch some remarkable results. What keeps the drive alive?
Goals change. When I was 15, my goal was to race as a pro. I raced as a pro my first time when I was 16 and I won. After that my goals are set higher and every time I achieve what I want, it just isn't good enough. Before I wanted just to race at the World Cup and that isn't enough anymore. I like doing well and just always want to do better.

Do you feel pressure and how do you manage the pre-race jitters?
I take a bit different approach than some. If I try and get in the zone and focus before the race it just makes me nervous and I don’t ride as well. I like talking with my mechanic about tits and stuff while I’m spinning. I know before the race that I am ready and my lines are good. As soon as the gate drops I will be able put it together. I just take it chill until the UCI person gives me the 10 second mark then it’s on.


Who has been the biggest influence in your riding and racing career?
There isn't just one person I’d say has been a huge help. If it wasn’t for my mother then I wouldn't be where I am. If it wasn’t for Gabe Fox then I wouldn't be where I am. All my sponsors backing me up like Red Bull helping me meet Todd. It all goes together and I think everyone has helped and influenced. Not to mention the top guys I looked up to and wanted to be.

What do you see as the ingredients for someone to be successful racing at an elite level?
You have to be able to enjoy the work. Keep the love for riding and enjoy pushing yourself to the next steps without thinking of it as a chore.

Now that the 2009 season is behind us and snow is piling up on the British Columbia Mountains, what keeps you busy?
I have been really lucky. It’s now December tenth and I have been riding DH nearly every single day mixed in with moto, XC and dirt jumping. It’s really rare to be shuttling a dusty road in December, which is what we did all last week. The snow is coming this week so now it's time for a month break from my bike. Gym program and then Jan. 1st I will go to New Zealand for some training and filming.

You’ve had some great video segments in recent years. What have you been working on in 2009?
This year I’ve been working with the Anthill guys on their new movie Follow Me. Also did a tiny bit with Callum Swift, maker of the film MADE.

Can you give us a glimpse of what’s in store for 2010?
All I can really say for now is that I’ll be the same Steve riding Evil and Redbull, just better and stronger.

What are you doing in the off season to prepare for next year’s World Cup Circuit?
Me and Todd will be working on my fitness throughout the winter. In January, I get a chance to go ride some dust. But other than that I will be riding moto when possible, DH when possible and working my butt off in the gym.


You’ve said your goal is to get on the World Cup podium. Do you think 2010 is your year?
I’m really confident that I can do it for 2010. I was close this year and feel like I can only do better. Time to get off the brakes and go fast.

Any parting advice for aspiring young racers?
I guess you will get out what you put in. Set honest and real goals. Work hard yet keep it fun. Partying/drinking won’t help in reaching your highest potential or goals. Don’t pee on electric fences.

Steve, thanks for you time. Parting props?
Thanks everyone!

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Ryan Kuhn is a regular Pinkbike contributor, racer, trails advocate and builder. He lives in Rossland, BC.