Myles Rockwell

One of mountain bike racing’s superstars, Myles Rockwell’s speed, personality and iconic riding style made him a fan favorite around the world. His results and “gentle giant” image made him the perfect package for sponsorships and TV appearances. Myles mind was also naturally inclined to understand cycling technology and equipment, and he made many unique contributions to research and development during his downhill racing career.

The “God of Gravity” became the World Champion in 2000. Myles continues to give back to the sport by mentoring young riders through his nonprofit, Rockwell Ridewell.

Myles was picked up by the iconic Yeti team in 1993 along with Missy “The Missile” Giove and Jimmy “The Bomber” Deaton. Soon after this breakthrough, Myles shot video for NBC Wide World of Sports with Greg Herbold and Missy Giove. Myles was also given the opportunity to give performance feedback to the legendary Doug Bradbury, founder of the very first suspension fork company, Manitou. While racing for Yeti, Myles won the biggest paying MTB event around, The Reebok Eliminator. With a one-hour time slot on ESPN, the show was seen by millions. Myles won a bronze medal at the 1993 World Championships in Metabief, France, proving to the world he was incredible on any type of track.

Myles became a part of a history making moment when Volvo Cannondale signed him to their factory racing team for the 1994 season. This marked the first time a major corporation had committed a sizable budget to the sport, and
Volvo went all out in an effort to promote mountain biking as a part of a desired lifestyle. The Volvo Cannondale Team also included Missy Giove and cross-country powerhouses Tinker Juarez and Alison Sydor.

Along with Volvo, Reebok entered as a major player, sponsoring Myles and Missy. Eager to capitalize on working with such dynamic personalities, Reebok launched a new shoe line called “The Cliff Hanger”. They used Myles and Missy
in a TV commercial that ran for months as the momentum of mountain biking was building.
In 1995 Myles won the Kamikaze Downhill and the Reebok Eliminator in the same weekend, collecting the biggest cash purse in history. During the Volvo Cannondale era, Myles was featured in multiple ads for all of his sponsors. IRC Tires dubbed him “The Fastest Man on Earth”.

During the vast flurry of marketing, Myles was a big part of the development of many of Cannondale’s design breakthroughs. The Headshock was largely used and tested by Myles during this time. The development of the Moto Bike and the early days of disc brakes by Sachs, and the original SRAM product, the Grip Shift, were critiqued and developed with Myles input. The IRC Moto Tire was developed by Myles and Missy. In 1997 Myles and Cannondale developed a revolutionary triple chain, 0 effect pivot downhill racing machine. The bike was named The Fulcrum. Myles Fulcrum from the 1998 season is on display in the Mountain Bike Hall of Fame.

In 1996 Myles broke both his kneecaps and was sidelined for the rest of the season. Things were destined to get even tougher for Myles. Not long after recovering from the broken kneecaps, he broke both legs in a motorcycle
accident. He spent 6 weeks in a wheel chair and was told by his doctor he would never race again. Myles gathered all of his courage to mount a comeback. With the sport evolving quickly, Myles was forced to adapt. New technology, new tracks and new pressure saw the rising star become a veteran nearly overnight. He remounted his steed and carried on.

Myles was dropped from the Cannondale squad in 1999, and picked up by the world’s largest bike manufacturer, Giant Bicycles. Myles was instantly invited to be featured on the Fox television show “On The Edge”, a look at the behind the scenes of mountain bike racing. Soon after, Myles was back to his winning ways, beating Steve Peat at the X Games. With momentum building, Myles won the 2000 NORBA opener in Big Bear CA, and with dramatic flair became the 2000 Downhill World Champion in Sierra Nevada Spain. Overcoming incredible odds, Myles defeated the world’s most legendary downhiller Nicholas Voillouz. He is still the last American man to hold the World Champion DH title.

Tragedy stuck for Myles when his son TC committed suicide in the fall of 2016. He was 13 years old. Determined to help youth with self-confidence and skill development, Myles launched his nonprofit Rockwell Ridewell which provides
coaching, mentorship and a positive environment for kids who could otherwise not afford Myles professional coaching services. Myles volunteers his time to local schools and bike clubs, and loves to see kids loving life! Myles love and passion for the sport was his secret sauce. His captivating persona and winning ways were only a part of the package. Myles is most remembered for the love he shared with his competitors, fans and the crew who worked with him. Everyone was a part of the win. Everyone was also a part of his defeats. Myles spirit was one to root for! Cheers Myles! The history of mountain biking wouldn’t be the same without your contributions and contagious smile!

Career Highlights:
• 8 NORBA National DH wins
• 11 World Cup podiums
• Reebok Eliminator 1st place 1993
• Bronze Medal World Championships Metabief France 1993
• Reebok Eliminator 1st place 1995
• Kamikaze 1st place 1995
• God of Gravity 1998
• World Cup Win Kaprun Austria 1995
• 3rd World Cup Overall 1995
• X Games Gold Medalist 2000
• Downhill World Champion Sierra Nevada Spain 2000
• Red Bull Roadrage 1st 2006