Age: 34
Hometown: Sheffield, England
Family facts: Married
Top Career Accomplishments/Titles: 3X World Cup Champ, 8X British Champ, 2X European Champ, 15 World Cup wins
When did you begin cycling and why? I started riding bikes from around the age of three-years-old. I had two older brothers who I used to chase around the streets at home, and then we all got BMX bikes, and I used to chase them over the jumps in the park. I got into mountain bikes when I finished school and didn’t start racing until I was 19.
Who influenced you and how? Early on I would say it was my brothers that used to influence me, but since then the people that I look up to in races were Jason McRoy, He was the first UK guy to go out to the States and get a big deal. John Tomac, he Always looked wicked in pictures and was an awesome all around rider. Jeremy McGrath also influenced me in other ways. He is a true pro and a really nice guy and used to dominate his sport.
Have you suffered any serious injuries cycling? I have had plenty of different injuries some serious some not so serious, I just try to grit my teeth and get back to what I love doing as quickly as possible. I know I will have aches and pains when I get older, and I know it will have all been worth it.
What are your strongest qualities as a racer? I can ride most terrain fast, carry speed well, hit technical sections fast, and keep a level head when it comes to the mental side of things.
What are your current and future goals in life? Currently I am training and spending time with my family. I am also working on a Steve Peat Academy, which I will get running over the next few years. This will hopefully be future goal too that I can put something back into the sport with. Royal Racing is my clothing company and the goal with that is to take it Global within the next few years.
Describe your worst race or cycling experience: It has to be Les Gets World Champs in 05; I was up at the split and crashed with only 200yrds to go. That hurt me a lot and will hurt forever.