Tom Pidcock‘s Rival, Sam Hatherly, Charts a Dual-Discipline Path too Olympic Gold
Sam Hatherly, the rising star challenging the dominance of riders like Tom Pidcock, is strategically blending road and mountain bike racing with a clear eye toward the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The British rider enjoyed a breakthrough 2025, demonstrating extraordinary versatility and a hunger for victory across both disciplines. This article delves into Hatherly’s ambitions, his approach to balancing two demanding calendars, and his roadmap to potential olympic glory.
2025: A Year of Discovery and Growth
Hatherly’s 2025 season was marked by a willingness to test himself against the best on the road. He made his debut in several prestigious one-day races, including Strade Bianche, Amstel Gold Race, La Flèche Wallonne, and Donostia San Sebastián Klasikoa.
however, it was the week-long stage races that especially resonated with the young rider. He found these events offered valuable learning opportunities, a crucial element in his progress. “With a one-week tour, you always have a chance to try and make it up or not get it wrong in the next days, which is quite nice,” Hatherly explained.
Looking Ahead: 2026 and Beyond
For 2026, Hatherly’s focus remains on continuous improvement and securing that first major road victory. The AlUla Tour is an early target, building on his near-miss performance in the previous year. He’s driven by a competitive spirit honed through years of mountain biking success.
“I’m a competitive rider,” Hatherly stated. “Obviously, coming from the mountain bike, where I’m used to having a good shot at winning, that’s kind of built into my DNA.”
His approach involves a careful balancing act:
* Road Racing: To broaden his skillset and build a strong base fitness.
* Mountain Biking: To leverage his existing strengths and pursue world-class results.
* Strategic Calendar Management: Working to optimize both schedules for peak performance.
Currently, Hatherly and his team are finalizing a calendar that accommodates both disciplines, including evaluating participation in the new MTB World Cup event in South Korea.
Mountain Bike dominance: A Foundation for Success
Hatherly’s prowess isn’t limited to the road. He’s a two-time mountain bike world champion, with World Cup victories in Les Gets, Mont-Sainte-Anne, and lenzerheide.His performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where he secured a bronze medal, further underscored his potential. He finished a mere 11 seconds behind gold medalist Tom Pidcock and two seconds off silver.
This near-miss has fueled his ambition for gold in Los Angeles. He intends to continue competing in both disciplines, viewing the World Championships as a key annual target.
The Road to LA 2028: A Long-Term Strategy
Hatherly views his dual-discipline approach as a strategic advantage. He believes road racing will enhance his overall fitness and provide a valuable foundation for his mountain bike pursuits.
“I think that that’s realy the objective – just using the road to obviously explore what I can do as well as lift the base level and shape to transition to mountain bike later on, specifically for those Games,” he explained.
this long-term vision demonstrates a calculated approach to maximizing his potential and positioning himself for success on the biggest stage.
Key Takeaways for Fans & Analysts:
* Versatility is Key: Hatherly’s ability to excel in both road and mountain biking sets him apart.
* Strategic Planning: His team is meticulously planning his calendar to optimize performance in both disciplines.
* olympic Focus: The 2028 Los Angeles Olympics are the ultimate goal, driving his training and race selection.
* Rising Star: hatherly is a legitimate contender to challenge established stars like Tom Pidcock in the years to come.
Sam hatherly is a rider to watch. His dedication, strategic approach, and undeniable talent suggest he’s poised for a triumphant career and a serious challenge for Olympic gold.
