Finish Time: 18 days, 9 hours, 55 minutes
Steven Hatley’s journey through the 45-SouthWest challenge was anything but smooth – and that’s exactly what made his finish so impressive.
Just a day after conquering the epic descent from the Col du Tourmalet, Steven’s handlebar broke. Fortunately, he was still in the final cycling region of France, where – by sheer luck – he managed to find a replacement part near the route. With the holiday season in full swing, the local bike shop was overwhelmed, but Steven, undeterred, installed the new handlebar himself.
Was this mechanical failure a delayed consequence of the crash he suffered on day one? Possibly. Either way, the setback meant that for the final 1300 km of the route, Steven had to ride without his aerobars – a tough blow on such a demanding endurance ride.
On top of that, he battled the all-too-common enemy of ultra-distance cyclists: saddle discomfort. But once again, fortune – and determination – were on his side. In the same shop where he replaced his handlebars, Steven also picked up a new pair of more comfortable bib shorts. They made the difference, allowing him to stay in the saddle and push through to the finish.
Despite the physical toll and mechanical struggles, Steven had no regrets. Crossing the finish line, he wore a smile that told the full story: this was a ride defined by resilience.
Congratulations, Steven, on an incredible achievement!
Photos: taken along the Atlantic coast and the finish in Tarifa
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