British Cycling has confirmed a 16-rider squad to represent Great Britain at the 2025 UEC Cyclo-cross European Championships, set to take place this weekend, 8-9 November, in Middelkerke, Belgium. The selection combines established international riders with a new generation of rising talents, reflecting both the depth and promise of British cyclo-cross.
The event, hosted on the North Sea coast, will feature a technically demanding course including dunes, grass banks and short sections of beach sand, offering a stern test of power and handling.
Elite men: Mein and Mason lead the charge
Two of Britain’s most consistent performers headline the elite men’s squad. Thomas Mein, winner of three rounds of the Lloyds National Trophy Series so far this season, returns as the team’s senior leader and will look to transfer his strong domestic form onto the European stage. Alongside him, Cameron Mason continues to prove his consistency against top international competition, with three top-10 finishes already this autumn. Both will be aiming to deliver solid results and keep Britain among the strongest nations on the circuit.
Photo Credit: Alex Whitehead/SWpix.comElite women: experience and debut firepower
The elite women’s team blends experience and fresh ambition. Anna Kay brings leadership and international experience, having opened her 2025 campaign with two top-10 finishes in UCI races and a podium at the Derby round of the National Trophy Series. She is joined by Xan Crees, last year’s British national champion, who will make her European Championships debut. Crees has been one of the most consistent riders on the domestic scene this season, never finishing outside the top eight in any race.
Under-23 men: Amey and Oldham make the step up
A key focus of the British squad is on developing its under-23 talent. Oscar Amey, the reigning junior national champion and sixth-place finisher at the 2025 World Championships, steps up to the U23 ranks. So far this season, he has delivered two top-five finishes in the National Trophy Series and has adapted quickly to the higher level. He will be joined by Declan Oldham, another promising newcomer to the category, who has secured three top-10 results so far this year. Both riders are part of the new generation pushing British men’s cyclo-cross forward.
Under-23 women: new names to watch
In the women’s under-23 field, Elena Day, Kacey Eyeington, and Hope Inglis will all make their European Championships debuts. Each has achieved top-20 international finishes this season and will be looking to gain experience and test themselves against Europe’s strongest young riders. For all three, Middelkerke represents a major milestone in their early careers and a valuable step up in competition.
Junior men: new opportunities
The junior men’s squad sees Jacob Steed return to action after a strong fourth place at the 2025 National Championships. He will be joined by Jody Mills and Luke Trafford, both of whom will make their international debuts for Great Britain. With the junior field often unpredictable, the focus for the young trio will be on gaining experience, racing intelligently and adapting to the technical demands of the coastal circuit.
Photo Credit: Alex Whitehead/SWpix.comJunior women: fresh faces and relay world champion Roche
The junior women’s category features four debutants, headlined by Zoe Roche, who was part of Great Britain’s world title-winning team relay earlier this year. Roche has balanced road, mountain bike and cyclo-cross campaigns this season and will be aiming to make a strong impression in her first major individual international race. She is joined by Peggy Knox, Isla Pattinson, and Heidi Roscoe, each making their first appearance in Great Britain colours.
A balance of experience and youth
British Cycling’s Performance Director Stephen Park CBE highlighted the blend of experience and new talent in the squad:
“It’s great to see a real mix of experienced racers and new up-and-comers who have been given the chance to represent their country and compete at a major championships for the first time. This year’s course, based on the coast with sand dunes and a short beach section, will really challenge the riders’ technical skills. Being able to field such a strong and balanced squad reflects the quality of our domestic racing scene and the hard work of everyone involved in developing these riders.”
Photo Credit: Simon Whitehead/SWpix.comFull Great Britain Cycling Team for the 2025 UEC Cyclo-cross European Championships
Elite men
- Cameron Mason
- Thomas Mein
Elite women
- Xan Crees
- Anna Kay
Under-23 men
- Oscar Amey
- Declan Oldham
Under-23 women
- Elena Day
- Kacey Eyeington
- Hope Inglis
Junior men
- Jody Mills
- Jacob Steed
- Luke Trafford
Junior women
- Peggy Knox
- Isla Pattinson
- Zoe Roche
- Heidi Roscoe
Main photo credit: Simon Whitehead/SWpix.com
