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Canadian recap at the ‘cross worlds and photos

Some incredible racing from Team Canada at the worlds in France

Canadian recap at the ‘cross worlds and photos Photo by: Nick Iwanyshyn

And just like that, the 2025 ‘cross worlds are done and dusted. Canada had entrants in all six categories, in Liévin, France, with a total of 21 riders competing. Two Canucks cancelled on the eve of racing, Ava Holmgren and Aislin Hallahan.

Junior women

Rafaelle Carrier secured the junior women’s bronze medal on Saturday at the CX world championships in Liévin, France—the first time the event has been held in the country since 2004. One of the favourites for the win, Carrier surged ahead in the final lap, dropping a Swiss rider to claim third place in the chilly conditions.

Canadian Rafaelle Carrier earns Junior bronze at CX world championships

On the podium, it was clear Lac-Beauport, Que. rider had hoped for a different colour medal–but kudos for the promising junior to fight it out for a bronze.

Junior men

Italy’s Mattia Agostinacchio caught and dropped Frenchman Soren Bruyere Joumard on the frozen final lap to win–despite having a broken shoe. Last Canadian national Emilien Belzile had a great ride, just outside of the top-10, finishing 11th.

Despite a broken shoe Junior Italian Agostinacchio races to CX world title

Under-23 women

Bella Holmgren–one of the favourites for a medal, had to contend with a fifth. After a slower start, she picked off riders as the race went on. British rider Zoe Bäckstedt took her second under-23 rainbow jersey.

Isabella Holmgren races to fifth place in U23 CX world championship

Under-23 men

2024 under-23 cyclocross world champion, Tibor del Grosso, successfully defended his rainbow jersey. The WorldTour rider also took the Dutch elite men’s title last month. Ian Ackert was the top Canadian, finishing 16th.

Dutchman Tibor del Grosso repeats as U23 CX world champion

Elite women

Fem van Empel outduelled Lucinda Brand in a thrilling finale, taking her third consecutive title—the first elite woman to do so since Sanne Cant (2017-2019). The podium mirrored last year’s, with another Dutch sweep. Sidney McGill was the top Canadian, finishing 16th.

Fem van Empel claims world championship natural hat trick

Elite men

Mathieu van der Poel claimed his seventh elite men’s cyclocross world title in the final race of the Sunday, equalling Erik De Vlaeminck’s record. The Dutchman dominated the race, riding solo nearly from the start.

Mathieu van der Poel ties elite men’s ‘cross championship record

Last-minute entrant Wout van Aert was hindered by a lousy spot on the start grid due to his lack of ‘cross racing this year. That and an early crash prevented a proper showdown between the Dutch and Belgian rider. Van Aert still fought back to take second, ahead of Thibau Nys.

Photos

Day 1

Day 2