Alan Hatherly — South Africa’s XCO Contender

Alan Hatherly is one of Africa’s best cross-country mountain bikers. He races the UCI World Cup circuit, represents South Africa at major events and has collected national titles, World Cup podiums and an under-23 world crown. If you follow mountain biking, his name pops up whenever technical courses and steep climbs shape the outcome.

Why he matters

What makes Hatherly stand out is his mix of raw power and bike handling. He climbs hard without burning early, holds pace on punchy, technical trails and reads lines on tight descents. That blend turns him into a rider who can attack late or stay steady for a top result, depending on the course. He also works well in variable weather — muddy, dusty or slick — which keeps him competitive across the season.

So what should you watch when he races? Pay attention to his start and the first lap. Hatherly often chooses a measured opening to save energy, then ramps up intensity in middle laps to test rivals. Watch his corner exits and how he chains small moves together to build a gap. On courses with long climbs, he can ride consistent tempo that wears others down. On tech-heavy tracks, look for smart line choices and bike control.

Training and gear tips you can steal from his style: build short, high-intensity efforts to mimic race surges, mix long endurance rides with interval days, and practice technical sections at race pace. Keep your bike setup simple and tuned — tire choice, pressure and suspension settings matter more than flashy components. Hatherly’s results show that smart prep and consistency beat spotty peaks.

Injuries and form swings are part of pro racing. Hatherly has bounced back from setbacks before, which is a reminder that recovery, patience and small gains matter. When you see him return to form after a tough spell, note the gradual improvement rather than expecting instant wins.

Follow and updates

On this tag page you’ll find our coverage of his races, interviews, race previews and result rundowns. We track key events like World Cups, World Championships, continental championships and multi-sport events where cross-country mountain biking features. Our updates aim to give quick race reads, tactical notes and what a result means for the season.

Want to follow him live? Check UCI race pages and event livestreams on race weekend, and follow his official social channels for behind-the-scenes posts. If you’re into data, look for lap splits and power numbers after races — they tell the real story behind finishing places.

If you like mountain bike racing, keep this tag bookmarked. We’ll keep posting result roundups, gear notes and race tactics centered on Alan Hatherly so you stay up to speed without hunting through feeds.

Expect previews before every major event and immediate result posts after races. Join the conversation in comments—share your race picks and gear questions and we’ll respond with analysis and links. Bookmark this tag and check back often for fast updates and gear tests. Expect honest takes, race breakdowns, and quick reaction pieces.