Returning for a fourth year everyone’s favourite big little race #wontbackdown and is back and better than ever. Steve Peat and friends bring you the next instalment in Peaty’s Steel City Downhill on Saturday May 17th 2014. The Legend continues…..
Last year 200 racers and over 1500 spectators lined the course in Sheffield’s Greno woods, to see what happens when a Mini Downhill race is put on Peaty Style. Blessed with sunshine and a dusty course, we were rewarded by fast racing from seasoned pro’s through to 11 year old groms in their first event . The atmosphere in the woods and the finish bomb hole was unlike any other race. Run as a charity race all profits were put back in to the woods to improve the trail network for all mountain bikers to enjoy.
This year entries will open on Friday March 28th at 7pm through the British Cycling website; last year they sold in only 3 hours.
After the success of last year’s Star Wars fancy dress and to celebrate Peaty cementing his legendary status with ‘Won’t Back Down’ we will be having a “Sheffield Legends” fancy dress competition. You could dress as the big man himself, or choose from any of the other sporting, musical or film legends from this awesome city.
This year we will again be racing on a trail specifically designed and built for the event by local trail builders Biketrack.org. From high up on the start ramp its flow down over berms and jumps, past Greno’s answer to Hecklers Rock; the Jolley Gap Jump, then pick your way through the rocky heath, rail through the rollercoaster berm section before launching into the infamous crowd filled bomb hole and over the finish line.
We are really fortunate to be supported by the local bike scene, with stands and prizes from Cotic Bikes, 18 Bikes, Polaris, Uber Bike and Flare Clothing. We will also be supported again by Monster Energy, Santa Cruz and Ana Nicoola to name just a few of our fantastic sponsors. We are always looking for other generous sponsors who can contact us at: steelcityseries@gmail.com
Timing will again be provided by MIJ organizers of their own Welsh series. Local favourites and long-time supporters Bradfield Brewery will be on hand to quench thirsts, Motoré Café will be providing a lift for the discerning coffee drinkers. If you needed more incentive to pedal harder; Whirlow Hall Farm Café will be providing us with a BBQ and Hog Roast and Streetfood Chef will be on hand to feed you with their award winning Burritos
Last year’s Peaty’s Steel City Downhill saw one of the biggest women’s fields ever in UK downhill with over 30 women racing, many for the first time. We would love to see more women racing at this year’s event. So if you ever fancied giving racing a go, now is the time!
If you’re new to racing or just want to hone your race craft Aline Coaching will be running a series of Steel City specific coached days, providing a peer group who can empathise and support, to enable participants to make the most of their race runs and ride with confidence! More details from alinecoaching.co.uk
To keep up to date on all things Steel City as we announce racers and prizes and anything else awesome that will be happening at this year’s event follow us on Facebook and Twitter
The race is run as a not for profit event, with all funds raised from the race go directly back into the trails in Greno Woods
For a taster from last year’s event follow the links below