THE MAKING OF A MOUNTAIN BIKING ICON
Jason McRoy was the irst British downhiller to taste international success, paving the way for all who followed
Back in the late ’80s and early ’90s, downhill racing hadn’t fully made it onto the UK radar and was pretty much dominated by US riders. That was until rising British star Jason McRoy took the big decision, along with his father Jim, to race abroad – first in Europe and then the States. JMC, a former BMX rider, had also been riding XC up till that point (as many did back then) but his love of downhill saw him throw all he had at the international circuit, with very little support behind him.
It was a brave move that paid off. His results started to get him the recognition he deserved and when he finished second in the Kamikaze Eliminator, at Mammoth Mountain in California, in 1993, he was able to continue competing in the Grundig World Cup series, from which he got a pro deal with Specialized.
It was an important step in British mountain biking. Not just because this likable, open and honest young rider had overcome a lot of setbacks to achieve this position, but also because it showed a fledgling domestic race scene how, with the right focus and dedication, top results and big deals could be achieved.
There was already something very special about Jason. The way that he rode and carried himself, without ever losing sight of who he was, was an inspiration to young riders like Steve Peat and Rob Warner. He helped give them the belief to follow their dreams and, in turn, lead the way for future generations of UK riders.
McRoy’s career was expected to flourish but in August 1995, returning home from Peaty’s house, he was tragically killed when his Harley-Davidson hit a lorry. He’s sadly missed but fondly remembered as a true pioneer of British mountain biking.