Xan Crees stormed to her first elite title at the British Cyclocross National Championships in Gravesend after an intense battle with Cat Ferguson, while Cameron Mason delivered another commanding performance to claim his third consecutive national title in the menโs race. Both events were thrilling racing as the mud, stairs, and technical course at Cyclopark tested riders to their limits.
The elite womenโs race unfolded under cold but clear skies, with a competitive field that included defending champion Anna Kay, rising star Cat Ferguson, and former under-23 standout Xan Crees. As the riders lined up, the stage was set for a thrilling contest.
Ferguson (Movistar) shot out of the blocks and immediately set the pace, taking an early lead through the opening lap. Crees (Spectra Racing) latched onto her wheel as the two quickly distanced themselves from the rest of the field. By the second lap, the duo had built a sizeable gap, with Imogen Wolff chasing in third and Kay struggling to keep pace further back.
The battle for the lead intensified as Ferguson and Crees navigated the tricky mud sections, hurdles, and slaloms. Ferguson looked particularly strong through the technical elements, forcing Crees to respond on the power sections. However, it was on the third lap that Crees made her move. Attacking on a challenging incline, she forced a gap and took control of the race.
By the final lap, Crees had extended her lead to 20 seconds, maintaining her composure as Ferguson continued to chase hard. The tension mounted as Ferguson clawed back time in the closing stages, reducing the gap to just five seconds on the finishing straight. However, Crees held firm, crossing the line with her arms raised in triumph.
โIt really was a stacked field today,โ Crees said after her victory. โWe had Olympians, two WorldTour riders, defending national champion – it was insane. I knew I wasnโt the favourite coming in, so I just kept going right to the end! I didnโt want to let it go. It just felt incredible at the end.โ
Fergusonโs second-place finish secured her the under-23 national title, a remarkable achievement for the young rider. Wolff rounded out the podium in third, holding her position after a strong and consistent race.
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Mason cruises to third elite title in dominant fashion
Cameron Mason (Seven Racing) delivered yet another flawless performance to claim his third consecutive elite menโs title. Starting as the outright favourite after victories in 2023 and 2024, Mason showed why he is the rider to beat in British cyclocross, crossing the finish line more than three minutes ahead of his nearest rival.
The race began with a fast start from Alfie Amey (Trinity Racing), who led the field into the opening lap. Mason and Thomas Mein (Hope Factory Racing) quickly closed the gap, with the pair working together to establish a lead over the chasing group. The early exchanges between Mason and Mein were intense, as both riders took turns pushing the pace through the technical sections.
Disaster struck for Mein on the third lap. As he attempted to remount his bike after the stairs, a slip in a particularly muddy section caused him to fall. The tumble damaged his bike, forcing him to abandon the race and leaving Mason alone at the front.
With no challengers in sight, Mason settled into his rhythm, carefully navigating the course to avoid any mistakes. Behind him, Ben Chilton (Derby Mercury RC) emerged as the strongest of the chasing group, riding a controlled race to secure second place and the under-23 national title. Dan Barnes (Spectra Racing) completed the podium with a solid third-place finish.
After the race, Mason reflected on the pressure of defending his title: โEvery single one feels a bit more pressure to do it again, but in a way, itโs easier because Iโve done it twice before. I knew what was required, I knew how to get the best effort out and do my best race. Iโm really proud of my race today and executed it how I wanted to.โ
Masonโs hat-trick of titles cements his position as the leading force in British cyclocross, with his dominance on display yet again on the challenging course at Cyclopark.
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Main photo credit: SWpix.com/British Cycling