Trackside: Steve Peat’s Evolution in the Santa Cruz Syndicate

If ever you’ve had your really good riding mate try to explain to you how to do that drop, then you’ll probably know that riding talent doesn’t always translate into coaching talent. Is Steve Peat one of those people that can do both? This video gives a nice look at making the switch from racer to… well… whatever hat it is that Peaty has now. Fun Uncle of DH?

Trackside uncovers the winning formula of one of the greatest downhill mountain bike teams of all time: the Santa Cruz Syndicate. After struggling with retiring from racing, legend and Head Coach Steve Peat continues to steer the ship into a new format this season while preserving the Syndicate’s secret sauce.

Anthill Films

Looking at athletes at the top of the sport, we often assume they have their lives dialled. They’re considered role models: disciplined, confident and successful. But as sportsmen and women, they can still struggle with what comes next.

For Steve Peat—who initially joined the Syndicate in 2006 and is still one of the most successful DH racers ever—retiring from racing posed many questions. Diving into the low point in his career, we reveal how Peaty’s struggle and transition to Syndicate Head Coach has filled the void of not racing World Cups. Now, he brings his wisdom, personality and stories to the team, not just his performance on the bike.

While you’re here…

Hannah Dobson

Managing Editor

I came to Singletrack having decided there must be more to life than meetings. I like all bikes, but especially unusual ones. More than bikes, I like what bikes do. I think that they link people and places; that cycling creates a connection between us and our environment; bikes create communities; deliver freedom; bring joy; and improve fitness. They're environmentally friendly and create friendly environments. I try to write about all these things in the hope that others might discover the joy of bikes too.

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