Why he's nominated:

Is this a comeback? After all, Danny Hart’s not returning from serious injury and he's never been a bad rider or had a season any mortal could describe as “slow”. But since his spectacular shattering of a Champéry slip and slide in 2011, everything has been a bit of a letdown, really—at least to onlookers who expected him to absolutely dominate the World Cup in the years that followed. Hart’s 10 trips to the podiums since that day in Switzerland are impressive, certainly, but many of us were expecting him to consistently occupy the very top step of those podiums.

All of that changed, however, this past July on another Swiss steep in diametrically opposed conditions. A lifetime of dedication and perfecting precision allowed Hart to ride one corner within reach of the finish line, better than a certain American. One corner transformed Hart from being a guy who once won the big events, to a man who was a consistent threat all season. Building a spiral of confidence that continued to another 1st in Canada, 1st in Andorra and another lashing of rainbow ribbon in Italy. Unbelievable.


From the Lenzerheide Report

Half a decade since the Redcar Rocket, Danny Hart, claimed the top step at the muddy steeps of Champery, he finally muscled it again to achieve his first career world cup victory. Even the likes of the mighty AG and the G.O.A.T. didn't have the minerals to keep the Englishman at bay at he now charges forward into second place for the overall. - Nathan Hughes

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MARTYN
ASHTON

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From career ending injury, to a new career.

Topped off by completing the Ft. William WC track.

Why he's nominated:

After a life-changing and career ending fall in 2013, Martyn Ashton was left paralysed from the waist down. A trials expert that has been around forever, a staple cover star of MBUK magazines, multiple video parts, a demo tour performer and an overnight youtube sensation after releasing 'Road Bike Party' in 2012, accumulating over twelve million views. Losing the movement in his legs seemed to barely dent Ashton's motivation and lust for life; if anything, it may have increased it.

Completing 'Road Bike Party 2' with the help of his friends (the film was half-finished at the time of his accident), forging a new career as a presenter and getting back on his bike in 2015. Prior to the World Cup downhill race in Fort William this year, Martyn completed the demanding course on his customized electric bike, which truly brought a tear to my eye.




From Martyn's Video

I was down, not out. Remember that anything is possible. - Martyn Ashton

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SAM
HILL

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Don't Call it a Comeback, Call it a New Beginning?

Brilliance in Either Plane.

Why he's nominated:

A true legend of downhill, a deliverer of breathtaking and dream-dashing runs that have left his peers' confidence in pieces. Sam Hill's downhill days of late have been off the pace and now potentially over and out. 2015 for example, saw one 20th position at a World Cup, but other results were barely close to being within the top 50. 2016 saw Sam tackle some enduro races, likely from sponsorship stressors, which turned into some of his best results in years. It was a success Hill ascribes to a newfound fun of unknown topography. 2nd in Ireland, 2nd in Italy, and an astonishing 1st in France. Not bad for a "washed-up", enduro focus-less, flat-pedal pusher. 2017 will see a full attack.


From the EWS Valberg Report

Sam Hill only comes to races for one reason: to win. He's never been one to make up the numbers and when he announced last week that he was going to compete in a full EWS season next year, he was coming to win races. It turns out he didn't have to wait that long... - Matt Wragg

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Three heroes in their own rights. There can only be one winner, though. It's a tough choice between a lifetime of dedication, raw speed and fun, and pure guts and determination against adversity.

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Click here for information about the judging and selection criteria for Pinkbike's Year-End Awards

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