Britain’s pedal power stormed to victory as Team GB bagged their first-ever gold in the mixed team relay at the UCI Cyclo-Cross World Championships.
Zoe Backstedt, Milo Wills, Zoe Roche, Oscar Amey, Cat Ferguson and Thomas Mein pulled off a stunning win, edging out Italy by just two seconds in a nail-biting finish.
Team GB had finished second in the last two championships, but this time they went one better – and it was final rider Mein who stole the show.
Starting his lap with an 11-second deficit to the USA, Mein powered through the mud to snatch gold, clocking a total team time of 50 minutes and three seconds. Italy settled for silver, while France pipped the USA to bronze in a thrilling finale.
Mein’s Magic Moment
Mein, the only elite rider in the British squad, admitted the pressure was on as he took over for the last leg.
“I was feeling a bit nervous as there were quite a lot of elite riders on the last lap, so it wasn’t going to be an easy ride home.
“Heading over the finish line first was an incredible feeling, knowing how hard we worked and how well as a team – and to see my dad at the finish line – amazing.”
The mixed relay format sees a blend of elite, under-23, and junior riders, with each team deciding its own race strategy.
The UCI Cyclo-Cross World Championships 2025 are being held in Lievin, northern France, running from 31 January to 2 February – and Team GB has already made history on Day 1!
What a start – bring on more British gold!
Main Image: Screengrab X
