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From Wharncliffe Woods to World Cup glory, proud Sheffielder Steve Peat is an international star on the downhill mountain bike scene. He spoke to Exposed about his journey into MTB, standout moments from an illustrious career and why the Outdoor City is the place for him.
Hi Steve, tell us a bit about growing up in Sheffield and how you developed an interest in biking?
I grew up in Chapeltown with my older brothers, who I’d basically follow around on bikes everywhere. I suppose you’d say Chapeltown Park was where I’d cut my teeth; we used to build jumps around the back of the park and ride from there on to the slag heaps behind. My mum would say I was never in the house, which was quite true.
When did it start to move from hobby into something a bit more serious?
Quite late on really. I think I was 17 when I did my first mountain bike race. My dad was part of Hillsborough Motorcycle Club for about 50 years, so we were always around bikes and two wheels. I was probably around 14 or 15 when I saved up all my paper round money and bought my first mountain bike, but it wasn’t until a few years later when a plumber I worked for told me to come and join his mountain biking club one night, the Beighton All-Terrain Squad (or BATS for short). I went for my first ride with them and managed to beat their best downhill mountain bike guy, so they were a bit like, “You’re actually quite good!” Then a bit later I entered and won my first novice race, a cross-country race, so that was it – I had the bug.
It sounds very much like something you fell into rather than planning it out since you were a kid?
Yeah, I was always a bit like that. I just continued entering more and more races, spreading out a bit further and continuing to win. But to be honest, it wasn’t like I was setting any goals – I was just loving life, loving riding mountain bikes. Then I eventually went up to national level and around ’93 I got my first downhill bike, with help from Langsett Cycles who had started sponsoring me, and I suppose once I started to win at a higher level I started to set a few more goals.
What was it about downhill mountain biking that appealed to you more than other mountain biking disciplines?
For me, it was mostly about the adrenaline, shorter races and the training I enjoyed the most – shorter sprints and strength work. Quite a few of my mates were going down the downhill route too, so I guess I enjoyed it a lot more.
And it’s taken you across to compete in competitions and ride bikes around the world. Do any experiences really stand out?
I feel quite lucky I found mountain biking and managed to make it my job. For the last 25 years, I’ve raced world cups all across the globe and travelled to some really incredible settings. There have been adventure shoots where we raced at high altitude by Machu Picchu or ridden through the forests of Borneo following a headhunter’s trail. There’s been loads of cool stuff.
I suppose you’d say Chapeltown Park was where I’d cut my teeth; we used to build jumps around the back of the park and ride from there on to the slag heaps behind.
Despite travelling around the world with your mountain biking, you always return home to Sheffield. What does The Outdoor City mean to you?
Sheffield is home for me, and it’s where my family is. I live right on the edge of Wharncliffe Woods, so I can get straight out of my door and into the trails. I’ve been able to master my craft in those spaces, and despite being able to train and race in some incredible places, I still love it back here in Sheffield.
You’re still very much involved in the biking scene in Sheffield. How popular is it as an activity these days?
The biking scene is really popular here. There are groups out there like Ride Sheffield, who help build trails all across the city. I’m a bit more involved in the north side of the city, and we run the the Steel City Downhill in Greno Woods, which will be back for the 10th time this year. All the money from that race goes straight back into maintaining the trails in Greno Woods and across Sheffield. In terms of the Peak District side, Lady Canning’s is another really popular spot and Parkwood Springs, which will be getting another phase of development soon. The view of the city up there is incredible.
PEATY’S STEEL CITY DH 2022 heads to Greno Woods on May 14th
