ALAN HILL

[kelv1n]

I was talking to Hilly between the finals at the Brits and he mentioned he was stepping down from pro next year and that would be his last pro race.

I know this is no retirement or anything but Hilly and the words Superclass/Elite have gone hand in hand since I was racing in the younger classes with a bullet helmet and Wulfsport race gear. I think its fair to say hes had one of the longest pro careers in UK BMX and even though never won the overall title hes won Nationals and made countless finals and Brits finals. He must have seen so many people come and go out of the class but hes always been there year in year out and has been a cornerstone of Pro racing in the country for a long long time.

I just wanted to say that its been a pleasure racing you Hilly and looking forward to seeing you up front in 19+ next year. Youve been a real Pro.

[mike-at-dialledbikes]

Some people you like and some people you respect. Hilly falls into that second category.

He loves to race and just gets on with it. I was impressed that Hilly and Abi made the 3+ hour trip to do the South/EA inter-regional at Hayes earlier this year when many EA riders stayed away because it didn't count for Brits qualification.

Hilly's a model pro and a great ambassador for his sponsors as well as a good role model for the younger riders. Always super friendly and approachable and never tries to be one of those people who is too cool for school, just a regular down to earth guy that everyone likes.

We need a Hilly interview in Fast Lane.

[Flemdog.]

Nice post Kelv, I was thinking the very same thing, Hilly's a star, love to race him as he is such a professional, trains his arse off and makes it all worth while...

Love to see a Hilly Interview...!

[Rooster]

Hilly interview?


I'll get on it then!

[HoppyUSA]

Just reading about young Hilly over on Vintage, can't believe he's going to be 40 soon

That's a nice post Kelv. And since I got back racing again full time in 1996 Hilly was always there in the mix in Pro. Hilly is synonymous with the pro ranks in the UK, and as you said always a professional and great guy to race against. He also took Matt Allen and I on our first Grands trip to the States, and set me off on my path to live here, one of the best road trips I've ever been on for sure.

Good luck Hilly, 19+ will be in for a tough time.. now you can hang up your disco slippers and you and Flem can show the youngsters the way round..

Cheers, Hoppy

[cyclist]

I love to read a bmx mag, but even more, i like to re-read it.
Tonight it will be Ride mag from 1998.
1st National at Bideford. Gets me everytime. Might even read it twice.
GO ALAN.

[dazreidy]

NICE 1 KELVIN,U ARE BANG ON WITH THEM COMMENTS.
I FOR 1 HAVE LOVED THE BATTLES WITH HIM ON CRUZER THIS YEAR, ESPECIALY SUNDAY,DAM HE HAD ME AGAIN
GUD LOOK IN 19+ MATE YOU DESERVE THE NO1 SO GO AND GET IT

[AzusaKid]

Couldn't agree more with everything I've just read on this thread.
The most dedicated BMX racer I've ever met and proud to have both Alan and his family representing Norwich Flyers for the last few years.

Arise Sir Hilly ..



















"makeup, powder for Sir Hilly's forehead please"

[SuttyHoops]

I doubt anyone would criticise Alan for stepping down.

Being the father of 2 and training to ride pro must be a challenge (as well as working full time)

I've always looked up to Alan and have tried racing on a 24 for years, just wish I could be that fast.

He's always had his finger on the pulse as well, I'm sure he was one of the 1st to ride an all carbon frame over 10 years ago and has a wealth of knowledge when it comes to crowser gearing (prob tell you what to run at what track!!!).

Arise sir Alan, Jacob is looking forward to being your team-mate again next year.

Sutty

[StuDixon]

What is there to say that hasnt already been said.....
not a lot tbh,always had that smooth flow about him even back in the Kings Lynn lasers days,dont ever remember seeng him get the hump about a result(not in public anyway).
see you at the weekend mate....Masters?? maybe for old times sake??
BTW....Kelsey still thinks your older than me....cooool!!!

Stu

[Humps00]

Always a pleasure knowing Hilly and his family. He is a shining example of the ultimate sportsman in BMX. Not one to moan about the tracks he raced on and I use him as an example to others when they complain about berms being loose - Alan would just pick up a broom and go and sweep it how he wanted it. Never too proud or beneath him to do something ike that. Always has time to stop for a chat, give advice to my boys, let them ride his turbo-trainer. He won't thank me for reminding him, but who remembers the day he got it wrong on the back strainght at Royston whilst leading and took most of the pack down in a mass of bodies and bikes?? I've got a multi-burst sequence of that somewhere. The all-round good guy, a great rider and, now he's a family man, he deserves a bit of time to himself to reflect on where he goes from here. Humps

[Liam_Batey]

Shame to hear Hilly's stepping down out of elite. It won't be the same without him. Always knew you were gonna be in for a battle if you knew hilly was behind you or you were trying to overtake him as hes got so much experience it was hard to pass as he instinctivly knew where you were at all times, I think his track smart was his best asset.

The race that sticks out in my mind was at peterborough when he won the last main, and the holeshot award against a top final.

[kuwahara]

Hilly was one of the 1st guys at my 1st national Come back in 07 to come on over to re kindall and old relationship he's one of the most approchable guys out there and all round nice guy.

I wish him all the success in the future, And long live his lust for bmx racing and growing number of titles, its been a pleasure racing with you in 30-39 even if you'v been a so far in front.

I think he's never missed a season in the 25 year he's been involed in BMX, He's a ture BMX Legend in UK bmx.

A Great Guy, with a great Family, and a great outlook on life.



Andy, Claire, Charlotte & Harry x

[StaatzRacer]

There isnt a bad thing that can be said about Hilly or his riding. He has supported me alot since leaving 19+ and moving into elite and he is as every bit of a vet. as somebody like Dale, there is nothing you can tell him about BMX that he doesnt already know. Hilly still makes it happen when it needs it most and I've enjoyed watching him since I was 3!

Shame you wont be sticking it out in pro next year Hilly but I've appreciated your support fully, especially when you were bigging me up to Grant White at Burnham, even if I did simply reply to him with a "not at the moment" when he asked about my aspirations.

Cya at norwich!

[NorthernMonkey]

Hilly; living proof that bald blokes can go fast! If he can bottle it and sell it, I'll be buying!!

Seriously though, the Gary Linekar of BMX. Never heard a bad word said about him....ever!

[Hilly]

WOW, I've been totally blown away by all the kind words and compliments from you guys. 21 straight seasons racing superclass/elite and enjoyed every minute of it, the class has stepped up a level this year for sure and the future looks good with a lot of fast kids coming up and some quality coaching now available.

At Burnham last year, I think it was Bloomy who worked out I was racing Elite before Cal was born, a scary thought! haha.

Looking forward to racing a new class and the chance to run at the front again, the last time I rode an expert class at a national I was in 15x!!!

Stu, I'll have a word with Kelsey on sunday and put her straight . I'm not 40 till 2012 but nobody believes me! Haha.

Thanks again, you all rock!

Hilly.

[Leealexander]

Hilly remember that wet WINTER DAY over at Royston you and Rich T was over there and I polled up on a cruiser the first time I had been on BMX for over 16 years and you was well chuffed to see me and commented that you did not recognise me from my face but from my silly / stupid riding style!! Did make me chuckle.

I love the way you just get on with things and get the job done.

Looking forward to doing some winter races again with you this winter - as long as it aint wet I dont do wet tracks!! Not like you buddy.

AIRSE SIR HILLY

RESPECT IN'IT

[DARREN FOREMAN]

HILLY FOR THE HALL OF FAME

[zellwood]

Hilly has been elite for more time than the majority of UK racers have been racing! Fair play for hanging in there for all those seasons and still being in the mix pushing 40! You've definately earned your UK Pro stripes..

Look forward to getting it on again with you next year!

Good job Hilly.