Missy Giove - Back in the Saddle

Aug 9, 2015
by Rachelle Frazer Boobar  
Missy

Missy "The Missile" Giove's been popping up on the USA Pro GRT circuit in the last few months, culminating with her appearance here at the Windham World Cup. Fans and Missy aficionados the world over have had their interest thoroughly piqued as to what the resurgence of mountain biking's wild child means. So, why has Missy come back? And, is she serious about having a real go of it?

The answer is two fold: First, after completing five years of supervised release, Missy is now able to leave the state of Virginia where she resides. The second reason really gets to the heart of the matter.

bigquotesUnfortunately, my girl got cancer. You know that's a f*cking scary thing. It's not a small situation and we'll get through it. We kinda went through some things that maybe she'd like to do in life, you know, and one was to see me race a World Cup. I was like, 'really?' I was like, 'OK!'

Missy had only ridden downhill sporadically over the last few years, and on bikes that she either borrowed or loaned. She's instead, been detailing yachts and has come into racing pretty much straight off the couch.

bigquotesAbout two months ago this happened, I had about six weeks to make this happen. So, I went to a Pro GRT (Snowshoe) on a rental bike and just about killed myself, but I made it. I'm here to be brave and be an inspiration to get my wife through what she's got to get through.

With a little help from her friends, Missy was set up with a YT Carbon Tues to see her goal through for the Windham World Cup.

Missy Giove s Bike
  Missy's loaner: a small YT Carbon Tues.


bigquotesThe YT is sick - got it the night before practice. Cam Zink hooked it up and totally threw down - sent me a loaner out for the weekend. I love it. I hope he lets me keep it! He didn't give me a return to sender box so, you know...


Missy Giove s Bike
SRAM X01 DH ten speed.
Missy Giove s Bike
The Tues is a full carbon frame.

Missy Giove s Bike
The RockShox Vivid R2C is set up with a 200 lb/in spring.

14 years without a bike and Cameron Zink hooks 90s downhill superstar Missy Giove up with a YT to race Windham. One huge petition to get around her lack of points later and she is riding the track blind in jeans without a track walk. Yes she crashed plenty this week but she made the cut for 17th today


bigquotesThe goal is to put on a show, to pin it, and to have a f*cking good time. I'm doing it for my girl - it's all heart right here baby.



Missy Giove s Bike
YT's custom SDG Saddle.
Missy Giove s Bike
Missy's first time riding 27.5-inch wheels - DT Hoops with Maxxis Minion Rubber, 24 psi in the front and 26psi in the rear.

Missy Giove s Bike
Missy's qualifying crash left her left arm sore and weakened, which would see her take another spill during finals. She's never been on bars as wide as the 800mm RaceFace Atlas.

Missy Giove
Even after a crash in qualifying Missy was pumped to make it through to "the show".

Missy Giove s Bike


When she started to get her suspension set up, Missy asked SRAM mechanic Evan Warner to get her in the range of Troy Brosnan. After probably a total of six runs all weekend, Missy got her BoXXer World Cup to two tokens and 78 psi. As a comparison, Troy is running 90psi with three tokens.


Missy Giove s Bike
In Missy's own words "flats for life".
Missy Giove s Bike

Missy Giove
Missy and her wife Kristen.

So, will we see more of Missy on the scene?

bigquotesI want to build trails, train riders, ride selected World Cups, and maybe help on a team. I want to take some people on some adventure tours. I'd love to do what I love to do. Maybe give some other kids some inspiration.


Missy Giove
Missy posted third fastest time in the first split, but crashed further into her finals run finishing 16th on the day. Missy's goal was to have a hell of a time and be an inspiration for Kristen - Mission Complete.



Posted In:
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Author Info:
rachellefrazer avatar

Member since Jul 20, 2010
143 articles

116 Comments
  • 164 3
 Last season i caught the last chair up with her on her at snowshoe bike park, we ran one killer run down Pro DH, I had no clue who she was at first, but that was the fastest I have ever ridden a bike in my life, she was just killing and and all her hooting and hollering gave me encouragement to just pin it faster, such an awesome chick with an awesome cause, go Missy!
  • 40 0
 I remember right when I got into MTB missy was the coolest thing out there, along with Rockwell, Palmer, etc. so stoked to see her back in the saddle!
  • 45 0
 So good to see her racing again. She's still got awesome style. Hope they let her keep the YT bike. #letmissyhavethebike
  • 5 1
 I remember she used to have her pirana fish hanging on her neck. That was rad Cheers
  • 3 0
 A couple years ago (07?) she was at snowshoe hitting the sketchy road gap above Pro DH with a severely cracked rim. She pointed it out to me and said "f*ck it, time to send it anyway"
  • 11 0
 here's a photo I took of her at Windham. She sent it down this section.
instagram.com/p/6L4BtRCl2D/?taken-by=witzode
  • 2 1
 I rode with her at Snowshoe as well, We stopped half way down and she asked, How do I like? I said, I don't know, your gone!!!!

LOL
  • 146 3
 Great to see Cam Zink helping this lovely lady out, Yt industries has seriously stepped up their game!
  • 23 0
 Seriously. Respect all around.
  • 14 0
 They better let her keep the bike. It was a great way to advertise their product too.
  • 12 0
 Cam: If you read this. Please let Missy keep the bike so she can keep shredding and inspire!
  • 11 0
 It would be stupid its a win-win situation and what better way to introduce the Tues into dh worldcup coverage than with Missy Giove!?
  • 4 0
 Riding for the sheer love of the sport, and racing for the love of her partner. Training a little bit, then going out there and giving it her best, nearly crashing and then bike saves her ass. If she had gone down the track when the crowds were huge she would have gotten bigger cheers than AG. Ad people might say "she's not on-brand" but most of the riders out there think she's great.

Missi 'Missile' Giove: Yeti, Cannondale, Foes, YT!
  • 5 0
 I'd say she's pretty "on-brand" for YT and Sensus Wink #sorryforpartying
  • 75 9
 3rd fastest at split 1 what a fucking legend, drug smuggling punk lesbians ftw!
  • 15 3
 Actually, she was 19th in the first split but she had the 3rd fastest speed. By the way, best wishes to Kristen and Missy.
  • 48 6
 Ive been watching dh for 20 years, and missy along with anne cc and rachel are the only 3 girls ever who can ride like mens. Period. I'll tell you guys, this girl with a little training can get a podium soon, Missy the missile i love ya
  • 59 0
 Think your forgetting Moseley..
  • 6 0
 True dat. Never forget TMO
  • 1 0
 TM was mostly every time like Rachel this weekend. Putting solid seconds ahead of the competition and super consistent.
  • 2 2
 Think you've missed a couple names like TMO, Ragot, Manon, Pom Pom, Millar, Pugin, Jonnier, Donavan, Llanes, Kintner, Buchannon, Beerten... All fast and more experienced and probably better trained than most of the guys out there.
  • 36 1
 As someone who understands exactly what Missy is going through I respect this fully. My mother has had months of the most aggressive chemo there is and will have a very risky surgery in 4 weeks. Missy if you are reading this know that I dont how far along her treatment is but I will say the hardest for her is the chemo. Radiation sucks donkey dick but its nothing in comparison to the chemo. My mother had no white blood cells and had to live in a bubble in the hospital for weeks on two separate occasions. She couldnt eat, sleep or do a fukin thing for that matter. Just know if things go as planned it will get easier for the both of you. I wish you a successful comeback(after her recovery) and with her a speedy and healthy recovery. I showed my momma dukes this and she thinks your a hero and a true rad ass. good luck!!!
  • 20 0
 dude, BEST OF LUCK TO YOUR MOM !!!!!!!!! hoping she has a SAFE AND SPEEDY RECOVERY !!!!!!!!
  • 9 0
 thanks man...means a lot to me
  • 5 0
 Out to you and your family mate..lots of positive energy your way..its never easy but you guys will get through it !! best wishes to you all !! Smile
  • 3 0
 Wishing your Mama a full recovery! Stay strong brother
  • 3 0
 Man we send you and your Mom all the light in the world. Be strong
  • 2 0
 KUNTHER, go do a race run, not stellar fast, not stellar clean, just stellar rad! Wish you and your family the very best!
  • 19 1
 In high school, I had posters of Missy, Tomac, and Palmer on my bedroom wall, and finally got to watch them race in person at the NORBA Nationals in 97,98, and 99. I briefly met Missy at the Cannondale pits, she was incredibly friendly and SO stoked. Years later, when I worked for Cannondale, it was always in the back of my mind that Missy's Super V DH Active was built in the same building I was working at. Missy is one of the reasons I got into Downhill as a kid, and I always wanted to see her on top of the podium. Even through her difficult times, I hoped to see her get back into the sport again in some way. I'm definitely excited to see her racing again, and hopefully bringing some much-needed personality and wild flavor back into a sport that seems to have forgotten its rebellious roots. Best of luck to her and her wife!
  • 20 0
 I think she will fit in well with the YT bunch.
  • 2 1
 Who has more tats: Missi or Andreu?
  • 17 1
 Good story, good on missy. What a legend in the sport, trying to make something good out of a shitty situation going on with her family, YT industries and cam zink are good people for helping out. Glad her past is becoming the past for her, I'm sure a lot of young riders could benefit from someone like missy helping coach. Thanks for posting this
  • 18 0
 Had to post this. Missy and Jon Stewart in '94.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=PqnxSC5NFAk
  • 3 0
 Long a fan of both. That was too funny, especially with Jon not getting the language of the two-stroke.
  • 17 2
 #Legend

"Fully commit or bail"
Some of the best advice ever and one of the best quotes ever.
  • 13 0
 What's it gonna be @EeehhZink does she get to keep the bike? Smile
  • 8 1
 I will never forget that poster which hung on my friends wall in the late 90's when i was just a small boy, and Missy rode that monster red Cannondale DH bike with the dual chaindrive and the CODA stuff and big Headshock USD forks with yellow rubber protectors on the stanchions... all this on the big tree like stuff that grows from the ground from the magic beans : D Ahh i was such a little boy just gathering memories... that picture gave me inspiration every time i looked it and just loved it. True legend she is. Never saw that pic since then..
  • 8 1
 Missy (The Missile) Giove. I loved watching her race when she was at the top, then retired to help the younger generation. Love seeing ride again.
  • 7 0
 Please, someone, sponsor Missy. She will bring guys and girls into the sport like no one else can! Who ever sponsors her will get their money back in spades.
  • 5 1
 Best of luck to Missy and her wife Kristen in the hard road ahead! I remember watching her slay it when I was young and wanted to ride DH. To be able to see her kill it again at 43 gives me inspiration again! In going for a rip!
  • 7 0
 Classy move by YT. It was great to see all the mtb sites welcome her back with open arms.
  • 4 0
 Love it! The Missle rides again!

Sharing the track with her in pro practice back in the day was always eventful. I remember at the 2002 NORBA NCS at Durango, a crew of us guys were checking out lines in this steep tech off-camber rock section. Missle comes blazing around the corner screaming "Get the f**k outta the way" and rides up on the razors edge peak above the off-camber and launches over the whole section. We all just looked at each other with a WTF was that line?! Girl has balls!

Worse memory was watching her crash near the finish at 2001 World Champs in Vail. You felt sick to your stomach seeing her rag doll to her head. No one thought she'd recover from that.
  • 1 0
 She was a roommate of some of my buddies in Durango in the early/mid 90s. She was always up to something. You'd hear about her exploits in certain circles around town. She was just an up an comer then, but just as outspoken as in her heyday. Her mentor at the time was Jimmy Deaton. I got to sit in on a few question and answer sessions between those two in Jimmy's living room. She found me a place to live once after my girlfriend bailed to Scotland with some guy. hehe Super nice chick, that Missy.

I witnessed that 2001 Vail crash from along side that headwall. I was really thinking she was dead. I've never seen anyone hit their head and remain motionless for that long.

Good to see her out of "bracelets" and back on a race course!
  • 6 0
 I remember a brief Cannondale ad with Missy and Myles Rockwell standing in a back alley with the caption " The time is 4:20 anything could happen".
  • 9 2
 She was bouncing off that saddle when I saw her hit that jump.. Still a legend!
  • 8 0
 Someone get her a pipe cutter
  • 11 4
 I thought it was Slash for a minute. Wait for it.........
  • 7 1
 Freaking awesome! A true joy to see her ride! Hope there's more to come. Way to step up to the plate YT!
  • 3 0
 She truly is one of mountain bikes baddest bishes. I grew up watching her just straight up kill it on a bike better than most guys. I don't usually get star struck but one time at the 2000 NORBA national at Mt Snow I was walking the pits with my girlfriend and she rolled up in a Cadillac and just started talking to us like she knew us....I was a bit starstruck because I had idolized her so much. Even to this day she is an inspiration and a true winner. I wish her and hers the best in the difficult road ahead, but if she handles it like she does on a bike it will be wild.
  • 5 2
 Huge ambassador for the sport. Super stoked to see this unfolding. The next chapter will be written,the sport is desperately in need of more character. Missy Giove interview - Fat tire journal you tube. Educate yourself if you don't know her background. Great to hear the name again cheers Missy
  • 4 1
 Missy was and still is one of the most fun and open people I have ever met. Sooooo glad to see her back. So deeply touched by her and Kristen's support for one another. Missile !!!!!!! Give her a job! Shes the most fun person to ride with ever!!!!
  • 5 0
 When was able ride DH again She talked my buddy, who was new to DH, into boosting a road Gap at Snowshoe telling him shed follow him in and do it too
  • 14 0
 How hard did he crash?!
  • 2 0
 He gapped it no problem, she went around. He was still stoked.
  • 1 0
 But it was literally her day back on a DH rig.
  • 1 0
 First day
  • 5 0
 Good on YT for loaning Missy a bike. You can expect my patronage in the future *tipping my hat*
  • 3 0
 I wanted a Capra anyway, but now, I want a YT even more.
  • 3 0
 Missy Giove! You are loved! The world needs more Missy! I hope to see you make a full come back into racing DH! If not... still great to see you on a bike, having fun! SOUL RIDER!!!!!
  • 2 0
 Just came home from 4 days at the world cup and just watched the replay. I was a marshal for the first 3 days..1st day last position , after the hip jump. Missy you came in smooth as hell and fast out the burm and into the last 2 jumps. Day 2,3 on the top section at the second camera shot section 8 pucker up.. Missy came you through there so crazzy and dropped into that line so fast pinned that left turn foot out flying !!!!!!!!!!!!!! back into the woods.. Great to have you back making NOISE !!!!!!!!!!!! i saw every ones lines there and yours will be remembered... BRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAP !
  • 2 0
 She is a great person all around and I am glad Weevil Outdoor Supply Co. was a big part of her getting there. Wish we were mentioned as well but there she is sitting in her Krank T and HatSmile We were on the phone with her paying the entry fee...crazy stuff.
  • 2 0
 Great story. All the best to her and her wife. I hope to see her back within the sport now that's she seems like she's cleared up all her past issues. I'm sure with some actual training she could put in some respectable times out there, especially in the U.S. races. I saw her at the mountain creek pro GRT earlier this year and she was out killing it in a rental bike. Seemed like she was having a blast. Talked to her briefly on the lift line but I had no idea that was her at the time. She seemed familiar but it wasn't until a few days later when I saw a picture of on Facebook and was like holy shit, that was Missy Giove.
  • 2 0
 This is first time for me that to know she's a DH girl, and the misille. I read her articel seem she's can do anythign Yt should give the bike or sponsor for sure YT bikes it will be a great deal.
  • 2 0
 Missy is Awesome, in Arai Japan WC 2001 I spent most the day hanging out with her and her mechanic Monkey. Awesome down to earth rider. I hope Missy and Kristen get past the cancer with a happy ending ASAP.
  • 1 0
 Man I'm not sure to look like missy or hate her lol. As a lighter guy running same tire psi as her and a rs wc boxxer at 70 psi and 1 token and see her bottoming the same fork at 78 and 2 tokens after so long off the saddle. Guess once a pro always a pro. Crazy fast and good for her. U.S. Needs a downhill bad girl image:
  • 6 2
 She is one badass chick to say the least.
  • 6 1
 So cool!!!
  • 1 0
 badass, hopefully she can inspire another generation of female mountain bikers. Still a hell of a role model for my daughters that i'd be proud of, regardless of her legal struggles.
  • 2 0
 good to have you back, when you were ripping it at worlds i bought my first cannondale "mtb" bike...so now 25 years later...damn, go girl!
  • 2 0
 She's a legend for a reason, and this just shows why - MTB needs Missy G, she embodies the spirit of the sport better than any pro rider today.
  • 5 1
 RAD.
  • 3 0
 Missy you rock! So stoked to watch ya run Smile
  • 2 0
 What a great WC all around - glad to see one of my early heroes getting a chance to do it again
  • 2 0
 Nice job YT, I'm at crankworx tomorrow and I will be trying to demo a YT, if Zink is there I will be asking him about this!
  • 1 0
 "The answer is two fold: First, after completing five years of supervised release, Missy is now able to leave the state of Virginia where she resides." what did she do??
  • 4 0
 Now I feel old. She was caught with a lot of weed and a million dollars in her possession.
  • 3 0
 Middle finger braking wtf???
  • 1 0
 Trademark Wink
  • 2 0
 Go missy! And fck cncr! Healing vibes to your girl! Great to see you around mtb again. Hope you stick around awhile.
  • 2 0
 YT is kickass ,just like her.... Major props for giving it a go this weekend Missy !!!
  • 2 1
 Best wishes to Missy and Kristen. The Missile certainly added a bit of flare to what might have been a bit of an underwhelming women's race. A very cool comeback!
  • 2 0
 Two fingers Old School braking.....
  • 2 0
 I like how she only has her middle finger on the lever in the pic further up... subconscious braking technique?
  • 1 0
 Yeah! Steve Jones style! DIRT magazine did a great interview with Miss Missile a year or so back, check it, she mentions one of her first sponsors, the West Hill Shop in Putney Vermont. Missy, Bevan remembers finding some old hiking boots in a box that was supposed to have cycling shoes! No worries, they thought it was pretty funny and thrilled to have that mystery solved and know those shoes went to a worthy cause!!! Best to you and your lady
  • 2 0
 Heck of a tolerance break she took there
  • 3 0
 Lead singer of RaTT..
  • 2 0
 go missy!!!!! the legend should ride the world cup!!!!
  • 1 0
 Personality wise, she's second to non. If she's turning a new leaf, YT should get her on board.
  • 1 0
 Love this.. Il be gunning for her to make a successful come back in the future.
  • 4 1
 Easton Atlas ehh?
  • 1 1
 Fox Atlas, ehh?
  • 2 0
 So humbling watching her hulk smash down that track haha. F'in RAD.
  • 1 0
 I loved her section in Chainsmoke, so comfortable with the bike sliding around:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ww334HNQeys
  • 3 1
 Missy rules as always!!

And F*CK CANCER!!
  • 1 0
 Thinking some good thoughts for Missy and Kristen. Inspirational as always!
  • 4 2
 LEGEND
  • 1 0
 Awesome! Just awesome! I loved her from day one!
  • 1 0
 This is rad. This is real. This is life.
  • 1 0
 she was a great rider and an awesome personality. good to see her back.
  • 1 0
 She was my rider in PS2 Downhill Domination!
  • 1 0
 Fuck Yeah!!! Soon Good to see Missy back Shredding....
  • 1 0
 sick bike! Yt is killing it, such a good job ZInks are doing in america!
  • 1 1
 Ace to see a true Dh legend back racing ,the sport ihas beenmissing characters like missey
  • 3 1
 the missile ......
  • 1 0
 Yaaaaaa!!!!!! Missy!!!! Singletrack Mind.
  • 1 0
 Missy you ROCK the World with your own style!
  • 2 1
 This story is pure radness. Missy rules.
  • 1 0
 She's had some rough time. Hope it's only good things for her from now on.
  • 1 0
 Good to hear Sram actually helped her sorted out the suspension
  • 1 0
 For once I read all the comments. I hope we see her again soon.
  • 1 1
 I think this was the best thing to happen in women's wc racing this year.
  • 1 0
 Hell Yea Snoop Missile!
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