Weekend Argus (Saturday Edition)
Biker blazes trail
MOUNTAIN biking is likely one of the most dangerous cycling disciplines. Making it look easy takes a lot of doing, which Alan Hatherly does.
Originally from KwaZulu-Natal, but currently living in Cape Town, 22- year- old Hatherly has been around bikes for almost his whole life. He began riding at age 3 and, encouraged by his father, began doing BMX racing and later, downhill racing.
“My dad is really into bikes and raced when he was a youngster, so he helped grow my passion,” said Hatherly.
Today he is a professional mountain biker. Specifically, he enjoys doing XCO (Cross Country Olympic), but still enjoys races, as he says they are a great way of training for mountain biking events.
He has little interest in other activities and spends the majority of his time trying to keep his skills sharp.
“I often spend time researching and looking at ways to improve my racing, I chat to my coach and we see what adjustments we can make to gain any extra results. I also enjoy cars, so they take up some of my downtime as well.”
This kind of dedication does not come without reward, however. He has competed in several international tournaments, including the 2016 Rio Olympics and the 2018 Commonwealth Games. Most recently, he competed in the UCI (Union Cycliste Internationale) Mountain Bike World Championships in Nové Mêsto na Moravê, Czech Republic. He raced in the Elite Men’s XCO category and managed to finish third.
“It was a super tough race, but I am so happy to walk away with a podium finish.” He is extremely dedicated and hopes to continue blazing his trail as a mountain biker.
“I hope to continue racing at the top level for many more years. At 22 years old I have a good amount of time left in my legs.”