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, 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 subsidizes the rest of the program for the rider.

How will you decide who you accept and who you don’t ?

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, we are trying to find a good mix of riders of all ages and the potential to improve / succeed in their racing.

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. Replacment parts will be supplied at a discounted rate, way better than if you bought from a shop.

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 repsonsible for replacing parts at your cost but SPS will get you the best possible deal. (pro-deals are common)

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.

I swear by THE helmets / Rock Shox 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 Word Cup or Pro GRT Downhill Series for SPS in 2012, will I then get bigger discounts/incentives to re-sign for 2011?

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. In 2012, we did a pre-season session and a season session in Winter Park, Trestle Bike Park.

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

Maybe, or perhaps Mitch Ropelato 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. 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?

We are pretty flexbile and will do our best to accommodate your needs if you are chosen to join the 2012 SPS team. That said, we can only control shipping on items that we have in-hand. If something is coming in late from a supplier, or simply has not arrived yet, you will have to wait for it like everyone else.

What happens at the end of the 2012 season, am I still part of the SPS?

Towards the end of the 2012 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.

Do I have to buy another bike / package for 2013?

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 2013 you can sell your 2012 bike to help finance your 2013 package or keep it as a spare.

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