What we can expect from Canadian riders at the CX worlds

The 2024 cyclocross worlds are almost here! Team Canada is sending 23 riders to the races in Tábor, the Czech Republic. Racing begins on Friday, with the team relay. Canada will be sending a strong squad for the event, with Rafaelle Carrier, Isabella Holmgren, Ava Holmgren, Jayden McMullen, Ian Ackert, and Tyler Clark lining up. Each rider does one lap and then tags the next.

After that, there are several races which could see some special results for Canada.

The Holmgren factor

The 2023 ‘cross worlds were exceptionally memorable, with Canada taking its first ever rainbow jersey in the event. Isabella Holmgren took an emotional victory, followed by her sister Ava who took silver. The twins have been riding well this season, and they could have some impressive performances on Sunday.

Why this really was the most important ‘cross worlds for Canadians ever

They join three other Canucks in the under-23 women’s category. The Holmgrens have signed with the Lidl-Trek WorldTour team, and look poised to level up this year on the road. But they’ve been having some strong results in the elite women’s field, so it’s highly probable they will have a special day. They have strong competition, however, in Zoe Backstedt. The British rider took second in 2023 to Shirin van Anrooij, and with the defending champion not racing in 2024, you can bet the daughter of Magnus wants a rainbow jersey. Could the Holmgren’s one-two punch spoil the Team Canyon–SRAM’s day? The way the Canadians have been riding, we may very well see another incredible day for the Orillia natives.

Keep calm and Carrier on

Although the Holmgrens have moved on to under-23, there’s still a big chance for a medal with Rafaelle Carrier. The Quebec rider has had an incredible 2023-2024 season, with multiple wins–including the Pan Am championships. She will Saturday’s race as one of the big favourites for the win.

Elite women: return of Rochette?

Maghalie Rochette began the 2023-2024 season with style, sweeping the USCX series. After a season prior that was plagued of sickness and injury, the multiple national champion showed she was back. She was 7th at the Dublin WC, and was poised for another top-ten at Flamanville before a late-race crash pushed her down to 12th. Rochette would take eighth at the next World Cup in Italy, and was seventh overall in the standings.

However, in early December she decided to return to Quebec and retool and refocus. She returned to Belgium in 2024, and has been showing signs of good form. The worlds were always her top goal of the season, so might we see a memorable showing for the Canadian?

Another rider is watch is Sidney McGill. She had a fantastic ride in Italy at the Val de Sole World Cup, taking fifth. The Canadian may prove to be a wildcard on Saturday.

Ian Ackert on the attack

In 2022, Ian Ackert stunned the cyclocross community when a first lap mechanical meant he was DFL at the world championships. He then clawed his way through the junior field, ultimately taking 8th. His form continues to progress, taking the under-23 national championships, as well as some impressive results in MTB. He scored a bronze at the under-23 world XC champs, and also snagged a new team in Trek Future Racing. Could he podium at the under-23 worlds on Saturday? Or…be like his former teammate Bella and take a colourful t-shirt to take home?

2023 proved to be an amazing showing for Canadians, so let’s see what the 2024 edition brings.

Team Canada at the 2024 world cyclocross championships

Relay

Rafaelle Carrier
Isabella Holmgren
Ava Holmgren
Jayden McMullen
Ian Ackert
Tyler Clark

Junior women

Rafaelle Carrier
Nico Knoll
Lily Rose Marois
Aislin Hallahan
Dorethée Perron

Junior men

Jayden McMullen
Alix Brunelle
Félix-Antoine Leclair
Lucas Goertz
Tristan Taillefer

Under-23 women

Isabella Holmgren
Ava Holmgren
Jenaya Francis
Ella Myers
Madeline Pollock

Under-23 men

Ian Ackert
Cody Scot

Elite men

Evan Russell
Tyler Clark

Elite women

Maghalie Rochette
Sidney McGill
Christiane Bilodeau
Katelyn Walcroft