Roads: Rider of the Year: Fourth

MCN’s Sports Desk rank the five riders who have impressed them most on the roads in 2016. 

Number 4 – Peter Hickman

2016 was without a doubt a difficult year for Hickman, but he should still be commended for his achievements. Entering his third year on the roads, many expected Hickman to up the game in 2016.

Having already enjoyed the taste of victory at the Ulster Grand Prix and in Macau the previous year, Hickman was a favourite to fight at the front this year. While the Lincolnshireman didn’t disappoint with his pace, his results were somewhat lacklustre due to an immense amount of technical difficulties suffered by the GBmoto Kawasaki team.

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Competing for the win in the Superstock and Superbike races at the North West 200, Hickman would finish second in the stock race before going on to take a surprise third in the second Supersport race too, on a ZX-6R considerably down on power compared to his rivals.

The TT got off to a positive start with a fourth place finish in the opening Superbike race, plus a stunning fastest lap of 132.465mph, an average speed that saw him become the fourth quickest rider in TT history.

While Hickman would round off the main season with a Supersport podium at the Ulster Grand Prix, he went on to end his season in true style with a stunning ride to take his second victory in a row at the Macau Grand Prix. 

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