Bike
MTB
Canadian Downhill Legend Stevie Smith Remembered
Smith's drive, determination and love for life will be commemorated by all those he's left behind.
Smith hoists Canadian flag after victory
© Fraser Britton/Red Bull
World Cup sensation Stevie Smith passed away after suffering a brain injury from an enduro motorcycle accident in his hometown of Nanaimo, British Columbia.
Smith, 26, was a highly respected professional downhill mountain bike racer, winning multiple national titles, as well as the sport's biggest prize: the overall World Cup championship title. A member of the Red Bull family since 2007, he will be greatly missed by his many fans and supporters, who admired his remarkable attitude, abilities and achievements.
"The type of guy Stevie was," recalls fellow competitor Wyn Masters, "a flat ruined his race in Cairns (Australia) whilst sitting second overall in the WC — instead of dwelling on that, he busted wheelies for the crowd!"
Smith's peers reacted to the tragic news on social media:
As the most successful Canadian gravity racer of all time, Smith's legacy as the "Chainsaw" will forever be remembered for his ability to cut through the woods on his bike, like few ever had before.
"Stevie was amazing and he will stay forever in our minds," says current UCI World Cup leader Loic Bruni. "The World Cup riders and circuit lost such a huge member of its family."
Stevie Smith en route to the 2013 World Cup title
© Victor Lucas/SRAM
Steve Smith on Mont Sainte Anne World Cup Podium
© Fraser Britton/Red Bull
Stevie Smith tearing to the Mont Sainte Anne win
© Sven Martin/Red Bull Content Pool
The crew spent days working in thick fog
© Hiroyuki Nakagawa/Red Bull Content Pool
A Celebration of Life will be held May 21 at 1 p.m. at the Vancouver Island Convention Centre in Nanaimo, B.C. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Stevie Smith Legacy Fund. Donations will be earmarked for an initiative by Tiann Smith, his mother, assisting talented young athletes.
