Sad news

Awful news. Saw him in the woods at Ft Bill last year, he was amazing over the roots and mud, so fast and smooth. Huge talent lost, far too young. RIP.

His mom has given thanks in the pinkbike comments. Strong lady.

Sad sad news. Ride in Peace brother

Terrible news.

I spoke to him at Fort Bill, just a really nice guy, happy to talk to someone who also liked bikes not rushed or impatient, happy to listen to me spout nonsense about how i’d ridden in Kamloops the year before.

RIP

So young, so very young, RIP Chainsaw

To save some time:

flag Stevesmom (3 hours ago)
Thank you sooo much…yes I do find comfort in reading these comments. It makes me feel good inside to hear all the love that is being sent out. I wish I could thank everyone for their support personally. It was heart wrenching to have him leave us so early, but the Stevie Smith story will not end here…I will make sure he lives on inside us.

Shocked. Saddened. 🙁

A guy on pinkbike just suggested this
Stevie is not only protected top-80, but also a tv-safe top-20 rider. I therefore propose either at Fort Bill as the next race, or perhaps more appropriately at MSA later this year, that the UCI allow a ghost-lap in his honour. His current ranking is 12th, so let’s let him have his last run down the track in 12th spot out the start-gate. The crowd, organisers, commentators all pay a silent respect for his lap while the TV cameras track his would-be movements down a silent and empty track, then the biggest f**king cheer you’ve ever heard roars out down the entire track top to bottom as his name is posted on the board at the finish line. I think this would be a powerful and fitting tribute for a fantastic racer who had won the hearts and respect of so many from such a young age.
Surely with enough support and knowing enough people in the right circles we could make this happen?

I can’t think of a better way to remember him

That’s a cracking idea – would be great to see it become a reality.

Chainsaw always came across as a really good guy and someone who managed to straddle the line of being driven and a real competitor yet down to earth. Ride in peace dude.

Got him in my Dirt fantasy DH team. Think I’ll leave him in for the rest of the season.
🙁

The saddest news, way too young, an huge inspiration… Seasons, Follow Me, Inside Out on and on, what a legacy.

Thank you Stevie!

Just seen this on the home page. Shocked. 🙁

Has anyone contributed to the fund on the home page article? Would 85th be worth setting up an STW donation page to collect a lump sum rather than dribs and drabs from individuals?

desperately sad and a poignant video

nice idea ^

Saw this news at 6:30 this morning, I thought it was a sick joke to start with.
Absolutely gutted, he was an awesome rider with a bright future.
Still can’t quite believe it, totally shocked and saddened.
Can only imagine what his friends and loved ones are going through.
26 eh? It’s no age at all.

very sad 🙁

Remember his part of Seasons more than any other – his poor mum.

That was my first thought too. 😥

Yup, proper shocker this one 🙁

Unfortunately I wouldn’t back the “ghost run/lap” as it’d be a massive head **** for the guys going off after.

I don’t really see a problem. The 11 going off after would already be at the top of the hill so not affected by crowd reaction plus it’s most likely to be the top 11 guys in the world ie. professional athletes with an abnormal ability to focus.

Think they should be consulted and a decision made. I think it would be a nice touch.

RIP Stevie

I like the ghost run idea.. A worthy show of respect.. The boys at the have the head to deal with it..

Unfortunately I wouldn’t back the “ghost run/lap” as it’d be a massive head **** for the guys going off after.

I kind of agree: It is, after all, a World Cup event, not a memorial. If the riders choose to neutralise the event, then maybe.

Do something before, or after, the racing, but I don’t think it would be good to do it during.

Awful, awful news. RIP Stevie 🙁

I’m sure there will be some sort of memorial. It’s not for us to decide. More his family, friends and the organisers.

Tragic Loss.

Tragic and shockingly unexpected news. Way, way too young.

RIP Stevie Smith.

🙁

Bump! For those that missed is the first time.