Albert Hitchen

Albert Reginald Hitchen (1938-13 May 2015) was an English professional road racing cyclist, who had also trained as an engineer with British Railways, becoming later known for his work in the preservation of steam locomotives.

Hitchen died of heart failure at home in Mirfield on 13 May 2015, aged 76.

In 1980, Hitchen bought Bulleid West Country Pacific No.34027 "Taw Valley" for preservation from Woodham Brothers scrapyard. Moved to the North Yorkshire Moors Railway for restoration, after running-in she moved to the East Lancashire Railway in 1982, and then the Severn Valley Railway in 1985. After mainline certification, she was based at Stewarts Lane alongside SR Merchant Navy No.35028 "Clan Line" and operated the VSOE British Pullman alongside other charter trains.

First racing as a semi professional from 1959, he turned professional in 1967, and retired in 1973. During this period he recorded 30 victories, including the UK national title in 1963 and 1965, as well as two Lincoln Grand Prix victories. In 1963 Hitchen made his one and only appearance in the Tour de France, with a best finish of 41st on stage 1a before withdrawing after stage three.

Whilst working his way up towards a professional cycling career, from school Hitchen joined British Railways to work on steam locomotives in Mirfield for 18 months, followed by a further 12 months at Wakefield's shed, and then six months at Bradford Hammerton Street. He finished his service with British Railways (BR) in 1952 as a fitter at Mirfield where he worked for the previous 36 months. After leaving BR, and during his semi-professional cycle racing career, Hitchen spent three years looking after Barclay tanks and fireless locomotives at ICI's Dalton works in Huddersfield.