Picture this: a reigning champion in the rugged world of mountain biking, swapping his dirt-stained wheels for the sleek asphalt of road racing. It's a thrilling pivot, isn't it? And that's exactly the journey South African superstar Alan Hatherly is on – a two-time cross-country mountain bike world champion who's now navigating the high-stakes realm of WorldTour road cycling. But here's where it gets really intriguing: can one athlete truly conquer two cycling universes? Let's dive in and explore his 2025 season with Jayco-AlUla, packed with triumphs, lessons, and a bold vision for the 2028 LA Olympics.
Alan Hatherly, whose profile you can check out on Cyclingnews (https://www.cyclingnews.com/riders/alan-hatherly/), has dominated the mountain bike scene, securing back-to-back cross-country world titles in recent years. Yet, he's been eager to test his mettle on the road, joining the Jayco-AlUla team (https://www.cyclingnews.com/road/teams/uci-worldtour/2025/jayco-alula/) for his inaugural WorldTour campaign in 2025. For those new to cycling, the WorldTour is like the premier league of professional road racing – a grueling series featuring the sport's biggest names and toughest challenges. And this was Hatherly's chance to shine in that spotlight.
The year kicked off with a bang at the AlUla Tour, where he notched up two podium finishes and a solid sixth-place overall. Not long after, he added the South African national time trial title to his trophy case, showcasing his prowess in a discipline that demands pure speed and precision against the clock. Later in the season, he delivered strong performances at the Arctic Race of Norway (11th place) and the Tour of Guangxi (17th place), even playing a key role in helping teammate Paul Double clinch the overall victory at Guangxi. For beginners, think of these races as multi-day battle royals where riders tackle various terrains, from icy Arctic winds to tropical heat, building strategy over stages.
Reflecting on his debut, Hatherly shared his insights: 'On the whole, I gained so much knowledge,' he admitted. 'I improved steadily with each event. Comparing my approach in Guangxi to AlUla – mind you, they're completely different types of competitions – I feel really accomplished by how much I advanced and the impact I created throughout the racing calendar.'
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One of the highlights for Hatherly was the collection of one-day races he participated in during 2025, including his first experiences at iconic events like Strade Bianche (https://www.cyclingnews.com/strade-bianche/), the Amstel Gold Race, La Flèche Wallonne, and the Donostia San Sebastián Klasikoa. Strade Bianche, for example, is famously known as the 'race of the five terrains' for its mix of gravel, dirt roads, and cobblestones – think Tuscany's scenic hills turned into a muddy adventure. He also relished the multi-stage races, which stood out as major successes and could become a bigger part of his schedule moving forward. These longer formats, with their endurance tests over several days, allowed him to build stamina and teamwork in ways that differ from the explosive one-off classics.
And this is the part most people miss – the bigger picture behind his road ambitions. 'My ultimate aim is to qualify for the LA Olympics in 2028,' Hatherly explained. 'So, really, this road journey is about discovering my limits while boosting my overall fitness and form to make that smooth transition back to mountain biking for the Games.' It's a clever strategy, using road racing as a training ground to elevate his mountain bike performance, but is it the right move for everyone? Some might argue it's a smart way to diversify skills, while others could see it as splitting focus in a sport where specialization reigns supreme. What do you think – is this crossover a game-changer or a potential risk for Hatherly's mountain bike dominance?
Dani Ostanek, our Senior News Writer at Cyclingnews since 2017 (starting as a freelancer before going full-time), brings this story to life. Her passions lie in races like Strade Bianche, the Tour de France Femmes, Paris-Roubaix, and Tro-Bro Léon – classics that blend history, grit, and unforgettable drama. As we wrap up, I'd love to hear your take: Do you agree that road racing can sharpen a mountain biker's edge, or should athletes stick to their lanes? Share your opinions in the comments – let's spark a debate!
