Sad news to break to the international flatland community today. Recently Alex Vickers was a staple in the U.K. flatland scene passed away.
Alex was a natural talent, who progressed his way through the ranks so quickly. I asked James Smith to write some words to remember Alex by.
It is with great sadness that I share the news UK flatlander Alex Vickers has died. Although it’s getting pretty close to 2 decades since Alex was most active in the competition scene his mark and legend lives on.. we met in school, I opened Alex’s eyes to Bmx and then he discovered Flatland which he shared with me. We both became obsessed with and spent all our free time riding together.
At some point we heard the myth of other flatland riders at London’s South Bank riding spot. And from then, every weekend there on after we’d go up to meet and ride with the london Locals such as James White, Phil Dolan, Jason Forde, Johann Chan,Mari Meret, Mark Walters, dreadlock Dave, Nick street and the list goes on… although by far being the youngest rider there, now riding with other riders and riders that were already well established legends in the sport we could all see he was a rare natural talent given the speed he could learn anything and with effortless style. In the years after, felt like he rose thru the amateur ranks in a Matter of seconds.. 1 year we we’re watching the competitions from audience side of the barrier, next his name was getting announced over the mic and he was mixing it up with international big hitters such as Martti Kuoppa, Viki Gomez, Simon O’Brian, Alex Jumelin, Frank Lukas.. after several years of being a regular in the pro ranks gaining several sponsors and placing well at Urban Games, NEC Bike Show, King of Concrete he moved away from London to University and concentrate in his studies and future career choices.. despite him not returning to competitive side of things , he always had a bike rode when he could and kept up with all the latest videos and news…
It’s a tragic loss as only thing that matched his talent on the bike was how nice he was as a person.
A funeral and memorial service for Alex will be held later this month in Hong Kong but if you like to know how you can donate or pay respects with messages contact me ( James Smith / @leftie143 ).
