WITH THE POLLS STILL OPEN, WE TAKE A LOOK AT THE LESS FAMILIAR FACES NOMINATED FOR OUR NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR AWARD
Most of the men and women shortlisted for our Rider of the Year and Lifetime Achievement awards should already be familiar to you, so this issue we’re taking a closer look at the up-and-comers nominated for Newcomer of the Year. There are massive variations in age and experience, but all share one thing in common – it’s only since last summer or so that they’ve become really talked-about in mountain biking circles, even if they were already well-known on the race scene or in their local area.
RIDER OF THE YEAR THE LOWDOWN
This autumn we’ll be handing out our inaugural MBUK Rider of the Year awards, presented by Lezyne. After asking our readers for their nominations, we’ve drawn up shortlists in three categories – Rider of the Year, Newcomer of the Year and Lifetime Achievement.
You can now vote online for your favourites in the first two categories, while the winner of the third will be decided by our expert panel. All three awards will be handed out at an exclusive ceremony in November, supported by Wiper and True brewery, and in the December issue of the mag.
AMELIA MARTIN
IG @amelia_martin_mtb
From Nuneaton
Age 14
Discipline Downhill
Team The Trailhead Bicycle Co.
Represents Marin
2022-23 highlights 4X national champ, 2023 (15-16); 1st, Malverns DH 2023 (13-14); 4th, UK National DH Champs 2023 (13-14; with a crash!); 2nd, Pearce Cycles DH Series #2 2023
LEO SMITH
AKA LANDO STEEZY
IG @landosteezy
From Manchester
Age 26
Discipline Slopestyle/freeride/jibbing/4X/enduro
Team Nukeproof
Represents British Cycling, Burgtec, CamelBak, Dirt Factory, Giro, Halo, Marzocchi, Schwalbe, Shimano 2022-23 highlights Video edit for Shimano; signing with Nukeproof; generally getting steezy!
OLIVIA TAYLOR
AKA LIV SHREDS
IG @livshreds
From Gloucester
Age 14
Discipline Downhill
Team Madison Saracen Development Team
Represents 100%, Maxxis, ODI, SC Sporthomes, Shimano 2022-23 highlights 1st, Pearce Cycles DH #1 2023 (U19)
TOM ISTED
IG @tom_isted
From Liskeard, Cornwall
Age 31
Discipline Slopestyle/freeride
Team Giant Global Freeride
Represents ABUS, Dakine, DHaRCO, Kenda, SR Suntour
2022-23 highlights Longest backflip on dirt (120ft), Darkfest 2023; 3rd, Red Bull Joyride 2023; signed by Giant Bicycles
DAN PALEY
AKA DONNY SOULJA
IG @donny_soulj
