In the world of impossibly steep mountain trails, Steve Peat is a legend. If his cycling successes had been in a velodrome wearing lycra, we’d be calling him Sir.
Review by Sam Clark
Steve Peat’s new biography, Forged by Speed, is a rollercoaster ride over the highs and lows of the adrenalin-fueled and very dangerous sport of downhill mountain bike racing. It is a very open and inspirational story of Steve’s journey from chasing around on a BMX with his brothers in Sheffield to become the king of the mountain bike world. Each page is like sitting down and sharing a few beers with the great man as he tells you funny, amazing and heartfelt stories of his lifelong love of bikes, hills and winning.
No Spoilers
If you don’t already know, it won’t spoil your enjoyment of Forged By Speed to learn Steve Peat was a very successful racer. One of the greatest mountain bikers of all time. It took a long time and an immense amount of determination, but as he writes, ‘You don’t give up. Not where I’m from.’
In 2009 he became the downhill world champion and was the most successful male downhill mountain bike racer ever by number of wins. Winning three Downhill World Cup overall titles and then a record seventeen Downhill World Cups. He is also a nine-time British champion and a two-time European downhill champion.
Over two decades of racing came to an end when he retired in 2016. His wide grin, now framed by a golden moustache can still be seen on the mountains where he is head coach for his old downhill team the Santa Cruz Syndicate. He also mentors young riders including Josh Bryceland and Brendan Fairclough. As well as founding MTB business like Royal Racing. Bottles of Peaty’s bike products sit on the shelves in every mountain biker’s garage.
Steve Peat Forged By Speed
Steve Peat Forged By Speed is published by multi-award-winning publisher Vertebrate Publishing and is available here
For all good things Peaty, visit the Peaty’s website
Images, Top: Racing in the Bromont World Cup 2009 ©Sven Martin.
Second, third, fourth courtesy Steve Peat, Vertebrate Publishing
What is the next chapter of Tour de France rider and commentator, David Millar’s life? Read our interview with cycling maverick here
