The 2025 season has introduced a chain of firsts for reigning Pass-Nation Mountain Motorbike international champion Alan Hatherly after signing a two-year contract with Jayco AlUla.
In January, he made his debut with the group on the AlUla Excursion, securing two top-three finishes at the mountainous 3rd and fourth levels. He then claimed victory on the South African nationwide time trial championships, bettering on his runner-up end from the former 12 months.
This Saturday marks any other collection of firsts for the 28-year-old—his debut in a WorldTour race, his first Strade Bianche, and his first time racing in opposition to Tadej Pogačar.
Hatherly scouted the 213km path, which options 81.7km of gravel unfold throughout 16 sectors. Like many riders who previewed the route, he famous the specifically unfastened gravel, which might pose a problem on race day.
“I always see it on TV and follow the race, but seeing it in person, it’s a lot rougher and more technical than I thought, which I think suits me quite well,” he mentioned on Friday afternoon after the group presentation in Siena.
“Apparently this year’s edition is a lot looser and rougher than it has been in the past, so I think it’s going to lead to some pretty crazy racing.”
So far as going in opposition to pre-race favorite Pogačar who is predicted to assault early to head for the win, and as he has completed in a couple of races, leaving his competitors within the mud at the back of him.
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“I haven’t really raced against him yet, but I think it just takes everyone working together.
“From the outside, it seems like everyone is just racing for second place and I think we just need to break that mindset. Someone needs to be able to follow him and I think everything will change. So we’re just looking now for that person who can follow him.”
Requested if he used to be the rider to apply Pogačar’s assault, he spoke back “I’m going to try my best, we’ll see.”
Including to the problem, Hatherly fell sick and pulled out of the Vuelta a Andalucia Ruta Ciclista del Sol a couple of weeks in the past.
“That took me out for a week and then I’ve been playing a game of catch-up to get the body working again, so definitely not my best for this one.”
Hatherly admitted that he used to be going to depend at the gavel sectors to assist him out.
“I think just a bit more relaxed [on the gravel] than the other guys are, and able to carry a little bit more speed, but for sure going to need the legs to position well. I think the effort here is quite similar to mountain bike. It’s kind of rolling hills, punchy, so I think it suits me well, and, fingers crossed I’m recovered and have a good day.”
