FILM REVIEW : WON'T BACK DOWN - THE STORY OF STEVE PEAT

If you came to the mountain biking party late, this is the film for you.

Won’t Back Down tracks the life of Steve Peat and the ups and downs of a truly amazing career. This story starts in the late 80’s a time when a young Peaty and the sport of downhill are just emerging where the pace then turns to an interesting piece on Jason McRoy one of downhill’s early stars. A rider who shaped the course of upcoming British downhillers before his premature passing.

The film then centres around the next couple of decades of pro life, casually splitting them into two main eras the Nico Voulliouz and Sam Hill years. It goes quite in-depth here, with interviews and voice overs from the main players of the day including, Nigel Page, Rob Warner, Shaun Palmer, Will Longden, Cedric Gracia and more. Handing over some amazing little nuggets of mountain biking history.

All the while the tale of the elusive World Champs jersey is carefully wound thought out and there is some amazing behind the scenes footage to accompany Peaty’s eventual win in 2009.

‘Won’t Back Down’ is a top notch film, masterfully put together. Utilising home video, professional edits and archival footage from a variety of sources W.B.D will have you glued to the screen. The music is actually quite subtle fitting the flow of the story well, a step back from the usual heavy mixes found in mountain bike films. Overall Clay Porter and John Lawlor have created something that wouldn’t look out of place alongside biographies of more main stream sport. A testament to the fine film makers they have become.

So,if you are looking for rider sections then this isn’t for you but if your looking to learn about the history of mountain biking then look no farther. It just so happens that alot of it can be found in the back story of one Steve Peat. It’s a film that all mountain bikers should watch if only once and at the price of a ticket at the cinema Won’t Back Down is well worth your time.

We give it a 9/ 10

#WONTBACKDOWN

Buy on iTunes now HERE and available in all good bike stores soon.

From his humble beginnings in his hometown of Sheffield, England, Steve Peat has established himself as the one of the worlds most iconic cyclists. Peaty has been competing at the top level in his chosen sport of downhill mountain bike racing for the past 23 years, longer than the lifetime of many of his current competitors. Through 20 years of archival footage and photos and intimate interviews with Steve, his family, close friends and competitors, Won’t Back Down takes viewers on a captivating tour of the history of the sport of downhill mountain bike racing and offers a never-before-seen view into the life and legacy of this enduring icon.

A film by Clay Porter and John Lawlor

Supported by Santa Cruz Bicycles, Crank Brothers, Monster Energy, BlackRapid, Troy Lee Designs, Smith Optics, Clif Bar, Muc-Off, Envy and PinkBike