BMC Switzerland, a global manufacturer of high-performance bicycles, has signed para-cyclist and 2012 London Paralympic Games competitor Steven Peace to their family and athlete roster. Peace suffered a life-changing stroke in 2006, and since then has battled back to become one of the top para-cyclists in the world.
“Having the opportunity to work closely with such an amazing individual and athlete as Steven is exciting for us at BMC,” said Devin Riley, BMC Switzerland’s Director of Marketing in the U.S. “Steven’s strong character, aspirational attitude, and prowess on the bike make him one of the top competitors in his sport and a perfect representative of BMC.”
Peace, a native of Michigan, suffered a stroke in 2006 that left the entire right side of his body paralyzed, forcing him to retire from a promising career in the U.S. Navy. Just six months after the incident, a time when Peace was unable to move or talk, he stepped onto a recumbent bike for physical therapy. Two-and-a-half-years later, he was invited to ride on the Military Paralympic Team where he earned national attention. Peace’s success on the bike catapulted him to upright trike competitions. In 2010, Peace competed in the 2010 UCI Para-cycling World Championships. His perseverance, determination, and sheer will power through his recovery has helped grow his new cycling career, ultimately resulting in an invite to the 2012 London Paralympics Games.
“I have strong goals to increase my UCI World Ranking this season. Between the quality of bikes BMC makes and their strong international reputation, I feel confident their support will help me achieve those goals,” said Peace. “It is an honor to represent such a solid brand.”
Peace’s para-cycling successes include: 1st place in the Time Trial at the 2010, 2011, and 2012 National Championships, multiple podium and top-5 finishes during the 2011 and 2012 UCI seasons, and a 7th place finish in the Time Trial and 5th in the Road Race at the 2012 London Paralympics Games.
Peace will represent BMC in 2013 by racing on a GranFondo (GF01) or TeamMachine (SLR01) tricycle. These bikes are both compliant and stiff, allowing Peace to conserve energy where needed and stay strong through his competitions.
Aside from his racing career, Peace allocates his time to community service foundations such as the Wounded Warrior Project and Challenged Athlete Foundation.
