British Cycling has unveiled its 11-rider squad for the 2025 UCI Cyclocross World Championships, set to take place in Liรฉvin, France, from 31st January to 2nd February. The line-up spans multiple categories but notably does not include any elite women riders, despite the recent crowning of Xan Crees as national champion. Former champion Anna Kay is also absent from the selection.
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ToggleElite men’s challenge led by Cameron Mason
Three-time national champion Cameron Mason will lead Great Britainโs charge in the elite menโs race. Mason, who has already secured three top-10 finishes in World Cup races this season, will be joined by Thomas Mein. Mein has demonstrated strong form, achieving his best World Cup finish of sixth place in Besanรงon last December and winning three rounds of the National Trophy Series.
Backstedt aims to defend under-23 womenโs title
Reigning under-23 world champion Zoe Backstedt will return to defend her title in Liรฉvin. The 20-year-old has enjoyed a stellar season, landing podium finishes in three World Cups and maintaining a perfect record of top-10 results. Backstedtโs primary rivals include Luxembourgโs Marie Schreiber, who has been a consistent threat throughout the season, as well as a competitive British contingent.
Cat Ferguson, in her first season at the under-23 level, will look to make an impression following her junior silver medal in 2024. Speaking ahead of the event, Ferguson expressed her excitement about racing against older and more experienced competition: โIโm eager to test myself and see how far Iโve come since last year.โ National bronze medallist Imogen Wolff, and Ella Maclean-Howell round out the under-23 womenโs roster, with all three riders pushing for strong results.
Junior categories highlight rising stars
In the junior menโs category, back-to-back national champion Oscar Amey will compete following a promising season, which included three top-10 finishes in Junior World Cup events. He will be joined by national silver medallist Milo Willis, who is set to make his World Championship debut.
Meanwhile, Great Britainโs junior womenโs squad comprises three debutants: Arabella Blackburn, Zoe Roche, and Ellie Mitchinson. All three riders are eager to gain experience on the world stage.
Notable omissions
Despite the breadth of talent on display, British Cyclingโs decision not to field any elite women in Liรฉvin has raised questions, especially with newly crowned national champion Xan Crees missing from the selection. Former champion Anna Kayโs absence further highlights a surprising gap in representation in this category.
Team relay and expectations
Great Britain will also compete in the team relay event, in which they secured silver last year. The line-up for this event will be confirmed closer to the competition.
Matt Ellis, the Great Britain Cycling Team cyclocross co-ordinator, spoke positively about the teamโs prospects: โWe have a fantastic squad of promising riders heading to the world championships this year, ready to take on an interesting course and show their talent on the world stage. From seasoned veterans to first-time competitors, everyone is ready to represent Great Britain with pride and determination.โ
Ellis also credited the support structures behind the team: โHaving this level of strength and depth across the programme is a credit to the talent teams and coaching staff who work tirelessly to help these riders excel.โ
The championships promise to be a key test for the squad as they take on a challenging and varied course in France.
Great Britain 2025 Cylcocross World Championships Team
Elite Men
- Cameron Mason
- Thomas Mein
Under-23 Women
- Zoe Backstedt
- Cat Ferguson
- Imogen Wolff
- Ella Maclean-Howell
Junior Men
- Oscar Amey
- Milo Willis
Junior Women
- Arabella Blackburn
- Zoe Roche
- Ellie Mitchinson
Main photo credit: SWPix.com