Hill out to start 2022 with a Drak Descent bang

Underberg – Multiple winner of the Euro Steel Drak Descent in partnership with FNB Andrew Hill will be on the start line in 2022 following a year in which his priorities may have shifted but he’s sure to be mixing it up with the elite field from 29-30 January.

With various Covid-19 lockdowns, event cancellations and little to work towards Hill is grateful now that he has the opportunity to race again and he’s going to go into the Drak Descent with a renewed vigour for racing, but has the future firmly in mind.

“I want to carry on racing and be competitive at the front but you never going to be at the front forever,” Hill said.

“So now I have to structure my racing differently and take on other roles like brand ambassador as well as a mentor for the youngsters and I’m excited to be moving in that direction and for the next two years or so that will be the plan.”

Having won the race on more than one occasion and being a regular in the Southern Drakensberg Hill understands the terrain and the conditions that can be expected during the Drak Descent. Getting up to the area and riding in the events are two things that he looks forward to for a number of reasons.

“It’s an early season event and being early in the year it’s always exciting to see everyone again and see how people have trained and how people might be overweight!” he joked.

“It’s a great way to start the season because it’s not too serious but it is serious racing and it gives you a good precedent of your form going forward into the rest of the year.

“The whole event is brilliant with the paddlers and trail runners and everyone seems to have a lot of fun and it’s just a festival of outdoor activities!”

Heading into a down period for riders around the country ahead of the Christmas break, Hill is working his way back into top form and will look to maintain that fitness base heading into the new year.

“I’ve been ticking over,” he explained. “With more races opening up and more people getting vaccinated and getting out and about things are looking better for us which is great news.

“I’ll have a good block of base training through November and December and be ready to give it horns come January,” he added.