'I'm learning to embrace the inherent risk of road racing' - Mountain biker Alan Hatherly continues fast track WorldTour transformation at Tirreno-Adriatico

South African mountain bike specialist Alan Hatherly, representing EF Education-EasyPost, secured an impressive 13th place overall at Tirreno-Adriatico. This strong performance, which included a top-ten finish on stage four's summit finish, further solidifies his transition to road racing and significantly bolsters his prospects for a Grand Tour debut, with the Giro d'Italia now appearing a distinct possibility for the 27-year-old.

Hatherly's rapid adaptation to the WorldTour peloton is noteworthy, particularly given his primary focus remains cross-country mountain biking, where he's an Olympic medal hopeful. His success at Tirreno-Adriatico, a notoriously challenging early-season stage race, demonstrates not just raw power but also an increasing tactical acumen and resilience. This progression follows a growing trend of off-road specialists finding success on the tarmac, hinting at a broader talent pool that teams are increasingly willing to tap into for diverse capabilities.

While his mountain bike commitments remain paramount, Hatherly's road performances are quickly making him a valuable asset. It seems EF Education-EasyPost has found a versatile rider, proving that embracing "inherent risk" can indeed yield significant rewards.