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National champions were crowned at Cyclopark in Gravesend over the weekend.
The British National Cyclo-cross Championships were held at the Kent venue, which saw top talent compete across senior and junior age categories.
Cameron Mason clinched his third national title in the Elite Men’s competition while Xan Crees took the women’s crown during the championship’s finale – one of the most prestigious events in the UK’s cycling calendar.
Heading into the event, the Kent course offered the nation’s top cyclo-cross riders a mix of technical and challenging features, including a series of off-camber turns and grassy sections. Competitors faced hurdles early on, followed by multiple technical corners and changes in gradient.
Features on the route included the wiggles, ruts, planks and Cyclopark’s infamous 47 stairs, with those watching on able to attend for free.
Spectra Racing’s Xan Crees was among those challenging to take the women’s title from Anna Kay but it was Cat Ferguson (Movistar) who got away fastest at the start.
Crees eventually got the better of early leader Ferguson - who took the under-23 title - to win. Imogen Wolf took third place.
The victorious rider said afterwards: “It really was a stacked field! We had Olympians, two World Tour riders, defending national champion - it was insane.
“I knew I wasn’t the favourite coming in, so I just kept going right to the end! I didn’t want to let it go. It just felt incredible at the end.”
Mason (Seven Racing) held onto his title and did it in some style, winning with a big margin from his competitors.
He made a steady start behind Alfie Amey and Thomas Mein before reeling them in.
Mein had a fall in a muddy section which damaged his bike and meant he had to quit the race and Mason eased home ahead of Ben Chilton (Derby Mercury RC) - the under-23 champion.
Mason said: “Every single one feels a bit more pressure to do it again but in a way it’s easier because I’ve done it twice before - I knew what was required.
“I knew how to get the best effort out and do my best race. I’m really proud of my race and executed it how I wanted to.”
Oscar Amey (Trinity Racing) was familiar with the venue and made a strong start from the gun and never let up, in what was increasingly difficult conditions, to claim the Junior Open honours.
He said after the win: “We train here every Tuesday so to have a home force, home crowd, is fantastic.”
A dominant performance from Zoe Roche saw her take the junior women’s event.
“It’s my first national title so it’s pretty special,” she said.
“I’ve been so close to a national title so many times so it’s great to finally get it.”