After a bumper return for the 10th anniversary race last year, Peaty’s Steel City Downhill is back for 2023, on Saturday 16th September. This year’s crop of world championships have required our later start. 2022 brought us a fresh new track and the most belting weather we’ve ever had for race day, so here’s hoping for one of those fine Autumn days for our new later date.
Race entries go live at 7pm on Wednesday 16th August over on eventbrite.
Remember that we have nowhere near as many places as people who’d like to enter, so we sell out incredibly quickly. You need to be logged in and ready to go at 7pm prompt – don’t click through at 7.10 and expect to get a place! It’s a race for everyone, we have categories for young and old, male and female, seasoned racer or first timers – just get your entry in!
Once again, our headline sponsor is Peaty’s Products – a fitting choice given the race name! We also have category sponsorship from Renthal, Cotic, The Bikes College, 60 sticks, Orange Bikes, Burgtec, Fox Head, Leighton Vans, Trek Sheffield, Tony Butterworths, Expert Bike repair and more! You’ll find many of those names exhibiting in the finish bowl, be sure to check out their stalls.
Steel City Downhill couldn’t happen without our partnership with Sheffield and Rotherham Wildlife Trust, who manage Greno Woods and kindly allow us to run the race each year. A donation from the race is our way of supporting that – which was all part of what helped them to take ownership of the woods way back in 2010. If you’re able to support the Trust, you can become a member here. Ride Sheffield is a big part of the race too, helping to coordinate fundraising for trail build and repair – not least to mention the full rebuild of the track ready for the 2022 race! They’re a volunteer organisation and can always use your help – on a trail day, spreading the word, donations or other offers of help – check them out here
Speaking of local legends, Tado have once again stepped up and sorted us out with another tee and hoodie design for the race – and hopefully some extra new bits for the merch stand too. Dig deep on the day and come buy some merch, it’s one of the main ways that you can give back to the race and support us to keep this race happening each year.
Steel City is run as a non-profit event to raise money for mountain biking in Greno and around Sheffield as well as supporting the Wildlife Trust. We rely on ticket and merch sales and the support of our sponsors and exhibitors to top that pot up and we’re truly grateful to them all.
Ride Sheffield will also be coordinating trail days in early September to get the track up to spec for the race – clearing vegetation, patch repairs and tidying the finish area.
We like to keep a party vibe at Steel City, with the finish bowl as the highlight – great for spectators and racers finishing their run. Once again we’ll have coffee and food stalls, Trail Ale from Bradfield Brewery and the great atmosphere that the Biggest little race has become known for!
We’re hugely thankful for the help we receive in the lead up to the race and on the day, so a huge thanks goes to Woodhead Mountain Rescue, Sheffield City Council, Farmer John, our race Commisaires and Marshalls, DJs Glenn and KRad Hope, Valley Scaffolding and any other helpers who we’ve missed.
See you in the woods!