Saddest day in cycling history. Not only was Steve the consummate professional and all around good guy, he was only breaking into his potential as being one of the best riders on the planet and back on his meteoric rise to the top like we saw before. He was champion material. Steve taught us all, young and old, that if you stick to the plan and work hard enough anything is possible. Steve was the peoples champion and it is a huge loss to not just Canadian downhill but cycling as a whole.
They should build a DH course here on the island and name it after him. On Mt Washington maybe? Its the least we could do for all the inspiration he gave to all of us small towners. DH hero! Never forget the "CHAINSAW"
Before his passing you could feel Steve's presence in the woods at Mt Prevost... I think we need to name a trail there after him ... heck let's build the legend his dream line.
I don't care for racing, I don't know/care who all the MTB pros are, I don't watch riding vids or make time to watch the DH races. But with all that said, I knew Stevie for sure, I knew he was injured the last two years, I knew he was making a comeback this year and I knew that I would be making time now to watch racing, that's saying a lot in my world. He had "IT"....all of it.....and he made racing fun. Such an unbelievable and sad day today, dude was a certified bad ass and a genuinely nice guy......just absolutely gutted when I heard the news.
I still don't want and can't believe it. One of the best just left, my sincerest condolences and thoughts to his family and especially his mum! I hope you are at a beautiful place now.
@BenGLasT I saw it on someone's Instagram, and I thought they were mates and it was a practical joke. Waking round work like a zombie now.. I really cannot and don't want to believe it either
Got a text last night from my wife while I was out on the trail with my riding buddies. Really can't believe it. Stevie was one of my favorites. My heart goes out to his whole family. Especially his mom. All those trips after school shuttling him up to the top of run then waiting for him at the bottom so he could get his practice in. Can't imagine how you're feeling. We all loved Stevie. Warner needs to lead a memorial at the next race in Ft. William. In this age of elitist pro athletes in the mainstream sports that get paid millions, are inaccessible to the fans, are always getting caught doing drugs, beating up on their spouses etc. the folks in our sport seem worlds apart from all that nonsense. Non more so than Steve. He was a class act. We'll miss him.
Words fail me. I can't even imagine what his friends and family are going through. Hopefully the outpouring of love from the MTB community will at least be of some small comfort for them. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
The term 'born to be' is often misused but in Stevie's case, it's fact. From the first moment we were all introduced to that charming young man from Vancouver Island and his dedicated Mom we all knew he'd realize his dream of standing atop the World Cup DH podium.
It's been a joy and an honor watching our Canadian DH hero grow and progress and seeing his charismatic, infectious personality shine. You've been in our collective hearts since we first 'met you' on the Collective Stevie. A nation is in tears but slowly smiles will return as we recall the great moments you've given us all. May Stevie's family find peace in time knowing his star shone brightly on the whole world.
You'd hate for this to happen to anyone, big shame. I thought he would be top three again this year. Thoughts are with his family and friends and his mechanic too. That guy must be blown apart.
All the best. Rest in peace.
Live slow die slow, live fast die fast and I mean that with the utmost respect.
He lived a life doing what he loved and being very good at it, we should all be so fortunate. He chased his dreams and prob lived more in his short life than many with an extra 50 years.
I'll ride harder today with his memory in mind.
RIP Chainsaw you'll be missed!
I finished my last final today. I was so stoked until I opened my phone after the test and saw the news. Ride in Peace brother. Once a legend always a legend.
What an emotional roller coaster today has been....
Don't forget to Donate to the Stevie Smith Legacy Fund.
LONG LIVE THE CANADIAN CHAINSAW MASSACURE !
So Sad to here this News Last night Stevie Smith was a True Ledgend on a Mountainbike his Style better than Most and His Speed also Faster than pretty much anyone on his day! Thanks for Inspiring me and all The others who call Mountainbiking there Sport! RIP Chainsaw you where a True Downhill Warrior!
An absolute legend at a young age, well grounded and one of those that just lets his riding do the talking, an inspiration to many experienced and upcoming riders, this is a true sad day for all of the mountain biking family the world over!
R.I.P Stevie
He definitely changed the sport. Gwin won two and switch to the Big Red S, then Stevie came in and won the overall the next season. That changed DH for me and im sure tons of other Canadian and US fans. Finally having super stars in an industry that is so popular in each our countries, but wasnt represented competitively by either very well. Three broken ankles later he was finally back this season, he looked great and could of made a run at the title again. I have him on my fantasy dirt league team this season, im going to leave him there out of respect.
Such sad news. So upset. Way too young. I didn't know him personally but followed him on the World Cup and was so stoked when we won. A true role model and inspiration. Was so proud that he was Canadian. My sincerest condolences to his family and friends.
The term 'born to be' is often misused but in Stevie's case, it's fact. From the first moment we were all introduced to that charming young man from Vancouver Island and his dedicated Mom we all knew he'd realize his dream of standing atop the World Cup DH podium.
It's been a joy and an honor watching our Canadian DH hero grow and progress and seeing his charismatic, infectious personality shine. You've been in our collective hearts since we first 'met you' on the Collective Stevie. A nation is in tears but slowly smiles will return as we recall the great moments you've given us all. May Stevie's family find peace in time knowing his star shone brightly on the whole world.
unbelievably sad to lose anyone this young, pro or not. I remember my twenties... invincible!!! Sad truth is we're not. To those that say "JUST SEND IT!!!" maybe balance that with a little more progressive learning and repetition. But Stevie was an accomplished pro and clearly put in the time, he knew how far to push and when, sadly mistakes can still happen. Great rider, tragic loss for everyone. RIP
I was completely shocked when I heard the terrible news last night after a ride. Stevie was the main reason for me anyways to be a fan of watching world cups. I still can't believe I'm typing was. I feel for his family... he was the real deal and will be greatly missed.
Absolutely shocked right now.... Thoughts go out to his friends and family. He will be missed by all. Been a fan of his riding since i saw his video part in Seasons, I highly suggest checking it out if you've never seen it, he seemed like a very humble and approachable guy, while still maintaining an intense level of competitiveness. the Downhill world will truly miss him. Rest In Piece Steve.
This was the first news I got after my bike ride yesterday…..still really hard to believe. Sad day for Canada and mountain biking. Sympathy to the family and friends. You will be missed Stevie. Ride In Peace.
Condolences to his family,friends and loved ones. I'm so upset, I never met him, possibly never would have , that is the mark of a true Legend , RIP SS you will be sorely missed xx
Happy guy , that is an excellent idea, let's hope someone with "pull" up in Whistler is reading this and does just that. Name a run in WISTLER BIKE PARK for Stevie ........maybe...".Chainsaw "
no lo puedo creer , es el dia de hoy y no caigo , recuerdo como si fuera ayer cuando en el nwd la mama lo subia a la cima de la montaña en una suzuki verde , que desgracia tan grande
Hope he is in a better place keep shredding in heaven I will always miss you you were my hero I will miss you forever for all the riders don't just ride ride for steve
Honestly, I don't know. I'm pisses off, bummed out, and looking for a fight I guess. Asking who's next seems a little disrespectful, but laughing at that statement just pissed me the fuck off. Maybe I'm in the wrong, but fuck it. I'd rather err on the side of being respectful right now.