RINGWOOD’S James Hillier insists his Isle of Man Tourist Trophy apprenticeship is over and he has set his sights on further progression next year.

Hillier, who made his bow at the 102-year-old road race last year, rubbished TT myths that you need three years to get to know the course by finishing in the top 20 in all five races.

The highlight came in the Pokerstars Senior TT race where the 24-year-old – who works for Bourne BG in Poole – powered his way to ninth place out of the 74 starters.

And now he’s up to speed with every twist and turn of the 37.73-mile mountain course, the Buildbase Bournemouth Kawasaki rider is adamant he can be a consistent top-10 performer in 2010.

He said: “It was a great week because I learned a lot and really feel I could now make inroads next year.

“I wasn’t expecting too much going into just my second year at the TT because it takes a few years to learn the circuit properly, but I felt like I rode well and hopefully I can be in the top 10 next year.

“And this year was a very competitive year because the top 25 riders are all very capable of some good speeds and times around here.

“So to get up in the top 20 is very hard and to come away with some finishes in and amongst those guys is great and gives me real confidence that I can be right up there.”

Hillier, who is also racing in the British Superstock championship, showed impressive consistency to complete every race on the island, picking up two 18th-place finishes, a 17th and a 14th ahead of the showpiece Senior TT race on Friday.

While established competitors such as 15-times champion John McGuinness, Guy Martin, Ian Hutchinson and Bruce Anstey all failed to make the Senior TT chequered flag, Hillier kept his head to break into the top 10.

And following his ride he couldn’t hide his delight after saving the best until last.

“To come in ninth in the last race of the week, the Senior TT, was just a great finish to what was a fantastic week.”

  • For further information on the TT races, visit www.iomtt.com and for details on visiting the island go to www.visitisleofman.com