South Africa’s reigning World XCO Champion, Alan Hatherly, is gearing up for an unforgettable 2025!

The Olympic bronze medalist will kick off his season on January 18 at the Momentum Medical Scheme Attakwas Extreme, presented by Biogen—a race fittingly dubbed the "Hell of the South." Spanning 124km of rugged Karoo terrain with 2,900m of climbing, this ultra-marathon mountain bike event is not for the faint-hearted.

Hatherly headlines what promises to be one of the most competitive men’s fields in the race’s history. He’ll face fierce competition from past champions like Matthew Beers and Wessel Botha, as well as rising stars such as Tristan Nortje and Marc Pritzen. Riders must navigate brutal climbs and rocky tracks in the first half, while the smoother gravel roads in the latter stages demand impeccable pacing and strategy.
The women’s field is equally stacked, led by South African Marathon Champion Danielle Strydom. She faces strong contenders, including past winners Samantha Sanders and Yolande de Villiers, who thrive in the scorching Karoo heat. Challengers Bianca Haw, Sarah Hill, and Germany’s Felicitas Geiger are also expected to battle for podium spots.
A New Chapter with Giant Factory Off-Road Team
Beyond Attakwas, Hatherly’s 2025 plans are equally ambitious. Now a key member of the Giant Factory Off-Road Team, he leads a powerful XC lineup that includes Belgian Olympian Jens Schuermans, Swiss prodigy Dario Lillo, and Canadian sensation Carter Woods.
In a unique move, Hatherly will also race on the road with Team Jayco–AlUla, blending his off-road expertise with new challenges on asphalt.
“Combining road and MTB is a fresh challenge for me,” Hatherly shared. “I’m excited to see how far this journey takes me.”

We’re just as excited to witness this next chapter in his career. Here’s to a thrilling year ahead for South Africa’s cycling superstar! 🇿🇦🏁🤙