Review: Named Speed by Steve Peat
Steve Peat's book, Named for Speed (with Tim March) is an unflinching and thrilling journey through the career of one of mountain biking's most famous figures. As someone who has followed the sport for years, it's not often that you come across a book that seamlessly combines personal narrative with the harsh realities of professional racing. This memoir does just that, offering an inside look at Peat's journey from humble beginnings to becoming a multiple World Cup winner and icon of the game, in a voice you can almost hear Peat narrate as you read.
Peat's writing style is engaging—honest, funny, and down-to-earth. He doesn't shy away from the harsh realities of racing, the many crashes, injuries, mental and physical trauma that comes from pushing yourself to the limit for years on end.
For lovers of retro mountain bikes, the early descriptions of his entry into riding 'The Muddy Fox' on the trails of Wharncliffe Woods show a story that all mountain bikers can relate to. However, unlike many riders, Peat's dedication and commitment to progress in these early days in cross country led him to become the fastest in the World at the UCI World Championships at Mt Stromlo, Canberra, in 2009. Throughout the book, this is the goal that Peat is constantly chasing while fighting the likes of other icons such as Sam Hill, Greg Minaar, Rob Warner, Nathan Rennie, Nicolas Vouilloz and Chris Kovarik to win.
What stands out is how he candidly discusses the highs and lows of his career, never glorifying the sport but instead having a balanced view of what it takes to succeed at the highest level. He doesn't shy away from the difficulties of being a top athlete: sponsorship, dealing with British Cycling, even that first dive into the world of sport where Peat could easily have taken another, darker path in life. His lyrics have a beautiful vulnerability, especially when he talks about personal sacrifice and the struggles behind victory.
The heart of the book, however, lies in Peat's enduring love of the game and his relentless pursuit of speed. He brings the reader into the world of racing like few can, explaining the technical aspects of downhill riding in an approachable yet detail-rich way. Whether you're an avid mountain bike enthusiast or someone with a passing interest in the sport, Named for Speed provides valuable insight into what it takes to compete at a high level from the 1990s to the late 2000s. His attention to detail, from the mechanics of perfect running to the mental game, is enlightening and inspiring, not to mention the events and chaos that were part of downhill racing at the time.
In conclusion, Named for Speed it's a must-read for any mountain biking fan and anyone who enjoys stories of endurance and love. Peat's journey is one of endurance, and this memoir is a testament to the relentless pursuit of greatness in a sport where speed is everything. This book is the perfect gift for a lifetime downhill or mountain bike in your life and was a fun read.
Named for Speed can be purchased online at adventurebooks.com
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