Reliving Stevie Smith’s 2013 Season

Photos Sven Martin

Winter across coastal British Columbia is no time to chill. There’s wood to axe, fires to stoke, old growth stashes to be lapped, and for last year’s UCI World Cup overall champion, Stevie Smith, it’s marked by an unwavering focus on what’s ahead.

The Canadian Chainsaw Massacre rejoins DGR for 2014, fresh off a jet-propelled season that culminated in a world-smashing performance at Leogang, Austria last fall. With a new year of gravity racing set to launch in April at Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, followed by Cairns, Australia, two weeks later, look for Smith and the DGR contingent to continue what they do best: seek podiums and stand on ’em.

MSA_n3x8655

“Everyone is primed to ride after a great finish to last season,” says team manager Gabe Fox. “The team blends performance proven veterans with aspiring young riders. It’s a great synergy.”

Beyond Cairns, the UCI calendar veers toward Fort William in June, followed by a home-turf battle at Mont-Sainte-Anne in August, and UCI World Championships scheduled for early-September at Hafjell. The Norway track is a team favourite, one where Smith has captured top honours the last two years.

and_n3x7430

“I’m stoked we’re starting the season in South Africa,” Smith says, “where I didn’t get what I was looking for last season. As for Hafjell and the UCI World Championships, it’s the perfect stop to wrap up the year.”

While Smith remains the backbone, Nick Beer and Dean Lucas add depth and electricity to the DGR roster. Beer, who turned pro in 2007 as a 19-year-old phenom, is an ex-European champion and no stranger to the UCI World Cup podium. Lucas, on the other hand, was one of the top ranked juniors in 2013 thanks to multiple World Cup podium finishes and a massive win at Val di Sole, Italy.

LEO13_n3x0231a

Combined, DGR will race all UCI World Cups, as well as Crankworx, Whistler, select IXS showings, and special events. In addition, its rising development team, Gypsy Racing—Mark Wallace, Gianluca Vernassa, McKay Vezina, and Bryn Dickerson—will target the IXS Cups, European World Cups, and other select events.

VDS13_v8a6569

Devinci Global Racing is proudly supported by Cycles Devinci, SRAM, RockShox, Avid, TRUVATIV, Easton, Schwalbe, Fox Head Clothing, Downhill Supreme 2, E-13, ODI, SDG, Five Ten, MyPakage, and Crankbrothers.

SS_v8a8744

We’re stoked to follow Stevie and the gang for another year… but where’s the moustache?

Posted in: News, Videos

Trending on NSMB

Comments

rideonjon
0

Stevie you made us proud.

Reply

GladePlayboy
0

Stevie is a Canadian icon for sure… here's to a ripping 2014!!!

Reply

1994canucks
0

Too bad the Vancouver/Media didn't run with the story and put this sport and Stevie on the map in BC. I also wish the community/sponsors had a party for the guy when he got back to BC.

Reply

Cove-Bike-Shop
0

His sponsors did throw a party for him straight from the airport to the Redbull lounge Downtown.

Reply

1994canucks
0

I'd say a private function doesn't count.

Reply

Please log in to leave a comment.