Are you sponsoring any riders for 2012, ie, is there any way I can get a place on the team without having to pay for my bike/package?

No, it’s a buy in team and its only possible to offer the training and support by selling the bike to the rider, it’s the small amount of profit from the bike that subsidises the rest of the program for the rider.

How will you decide who you accept and who you don’t assuming everyone has the money to buy into the SPS?

We will assess the applicants from each category and choose riders who we feel will make good members of the team. Its not judged on out and out ability or experience, we are trying to find a good mix of riders of all ages and the potential to improve / succeed in their racing. We have a great group of riders this year, who worked really well as a team. Some will stay with us and others will move on – we want to keep that fun, friendly, family feel again for 2012.

Will we get charged for use of the mechanic at races? How will we be charged for parts used?

The mechanic is part of the package, you just have to make sure you make the most of his time equally amongst the other riders. If your bike needs parts at the races, you’ll be responsible for the costs, of which we will always do our best on pricing to keep things affordable. The SPS mechanic will be there to help keep you running on race weekend. You can’t expect to turn up on Saturday morning of a race weekend with a completely knackered bike and expect it to be rebuilt, its your bike, so you need to look after it between races and keep it running smooth. Replacement parts will be supplied at a discounted rate, way better than if you bought from a shop. Jamie Johnston is our mechanic, he is a great guy and dedicated to the team and its riders – Jamie’s most famous rider that he’s spannered for is Danny Hart and I’m sure you’ve heard of him!

What kind of crash replacement policy is there on stuff like the helmets?

As per the manufacturers policy, if they have one in place.

What happens if I total a wheel or damage the frame? Do I get discounted replacements?

Yes, we will always try to keep your ongoing costs as low as possible. You are responsible for replacing parts at your cost but SPS will get you the best possible deal.

How likely is it that Steve will be present to walk tracks with us at the races in 2012?

Its hard to say, we have to be upfront here. Steve would like to be present at all of them, however, being Steve Peat means that he is pulled in every direction to every corner of the globe throughout the season. This is really a bonus when we can make it happen and something that we all hope will happen. Look it as a bonus if we can make it happen, however, for 2011 Steve was present at every BDS race and National Champs. He loves the SPS and wants to be there…

I swear by POC helmets / FOX suspension etc so any chance I can wear my own helmet/use my own fork?

No. We have deals / arrangements with sponsors, mostly Steve’s sponsors, to use their equipment. We are a team after all, so we want to be running the same equipment throughout. All our sponsors provide the highest quality products available and supply top teams and riders across the world so you’re getting top notch kit.

If I win the British Downhill Series for SPS in 2011, will I then get bigger discounts/incentives to re-sign for 2012?

Win the 2012 series first and then we’ll talk, over to you!

Where will our training days take place?

At decent venues with decent uplift. Its too early to name venues but rest assured they will be worthy.

As Peaty and Minaar are good mates, any chance he’ll join us at a training session or two as well?

Maybe, or perhaps Josh Bryceland will come and help with the training. We guarantee Steve Peat will be the primary trainer and will have another world cup rider to help train you.

Will I get discounts on other products from sponsors too – e.g. a Santa Cruz Chameleon or Blur?

Yes, we can supply you with a cross country or 4X / dirt Jump bike at a competitive price, Santa Cruz of course. The more you ride the better, be that XC, 4X or just dirt jumping. Riding bikes is what it’s all about after all! We are working on build prices for these types of bikes.

If I crash and break my leg in the first race of the season, will I get a discount for all the season I’m likely to miss?

Unfortunately we don’t offer a refund in this circumstance (or crash replacement policies for broken legs!). This is racing, that is the way it goes. You will still be part of the team and we’d hope you’d still come to the races and be part of the family as you recuperate.

If I sign up in the next week or so, when will I get my kit?

Good question, 2011 was a bit of a nightmare for us as Santa Cruz’s Carbon V10 was just being finished on the production line as the season started – we moved heaven and earth and managed to get the bikes to the riders for the first national. 2012 should be easier as the carbon V10 frame is well in to production and should give us an easier task of getting 12 or more bikes built pre season. We envisage that you’ll be able to get your bike as early as January (providing you’ve paid your fee of course)

What happens at the end of the 2011 season, am I still part of the SPS?

Towards the end of the 2011 season we will be open to new applications from riders wishing to join the SPS, current riders will be invited to re apply to be on the team for 2012 and will get first refusal on a place on the program.

Do I have to buy another bike / package for 2012?

Yes. The purchase of your package is what subsidises the support you receive through the season. We are aware this might not be what you want to hear but it is the only way we can afford to run the team. If you re join the team for 2012 you can sell your 2011 bike to help finance your 2012 package or keep it as a spare.

Are the entry fees included in the cost of joining SPS?

No, the entry fees for all races are your responsibility – it is also your responsibility to get your entries in for the BDS 2012 series at the first opportunity, which is usually midnight on New Years eve.

Any more questions, email us and we’ll answer them.