![\"ccs-62657-0-97590600-1497803864.jpg\"](\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/02\/ccs-62657-0-97590600-1497803864.jpg\")
<\/a>Alan Hatherly took the top honours in the Elite Men’s race at the final round of the SA National MTB Cup Series XCO at Cascades MTB Park on Saturday 17 June. Photo: BOOGS Photography<\/span><\/p>\nHatherly has had an outstanding season so far, and chatted about the hard work he\u2019s put in behind the scenes. \u201cI\u2019ve been racing flat out since the age of eight it has always been a massive passion for me, so going out and having a big social life has never been a huge priority, but my move to Cape Town has been very good for me training-wise,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
He mentioned and appreciated the encouragement and help received with training rides from housemate and mountain bike enthusiast Matt Beers. \u201cTraining in Durban by myself last year was great, but when racing against myself, I could never push myself, so it\u2019s nice to have someone to ride with and test yourself against,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Hatherly has mixed up his training routine dramatically, and also stressed the importance of lots of sleep.<\/p>\n
Hatherly thanked his team, and the dedication that they give to every detail of the cross-country bikes, making sure that at every race he and his bike are fully prepared to give it horns.<\/p>\n
Pyga Eurosteel\u2019s Philip Buys made a phenomenal come back to fight hard each lap after a mechanical early on in the race to grab the second spot from 15th position. After another impressive ride, the third place position on the day went to Jan Withaar.<\/p>\n
The Elite Women\u2019s title went to Valencia\u2019s Amy Beth McDougall, with OMX Pro Team\u2019s Mariske Strauss and Bianca Haw (Red Bull) crossing the line in second and third respectively. \u201cI knew I was in quite good form but I haven’t races cross-country for a while. I did two races last year but before that, the last time was in 2013,\u201dsaid McDougall.<\/p>\n McDougall had no idea what her form was like in this particular discipline, and sat with Cup Series leader Strauss until the fourth lap. \u201cI felt strong and so I pushed harder and didn\u2019t look back,\u201d she added.<\/p>\n Off to Germany next week to take place in the World MTB Marathon Championships, McDougall will also be taking part in two cross-country cups while in Europe. \u201cI\u2019m glad I got to see where I was on a cross-country track, and today\u2019s race just reminded me of why it will always be my first love,\u201d she concluded.<\/p>\n<\/a>The Elite Women\u2019s title went to Valencia\u2019s Amy Beth McDougall in the final round of the SA National MTB Cup Series XCO at Cascades MTB Park on Saturday 17 June. Photo: BOOGS Photography<\/span><\/p>\n