Aussies racing for rainbows amongst the rain, mud and snow

The nerves are building for the nine Australian athletes set to compete at the 2024 UCI Cyclo-cross World Championships in Tabor, Czech Republic.

After a buildup which included competing at a number of the World Cups and European races, members of the ARA Australian Cycling Team now take on the best in the rain, mud and snow for the right to be named World Champion.

The team got their first look at the course at the official practice overnight.

“The track is already incredibly muddy and a lot of technical features,” according to junior racer Campbell McConnell.

The junior women will be the first to open proceedings however the first Aussies to compete on course will be in the Under 23 men where Max Hobson and Finn Kane will line up.

While Fiona Morris flies the flag in the elite women in the early hours of Sunday morning Australian time.

Sam Northey, McConnell and Finley McRobbie, will make their world’s debut on the course which is vastly different from the set up in Australia.

“There are plenty of pinch points, corners and you can’t forget the mud,” said McRobbie.

“The conditions are going to be tough by what we experienced in our practise session, and with a bit more rain predicted this afternoon and negative temperatures overnight, no doubt the mud will continue to build along the course.

However, the hype behind pulling on the green and gold skinsuit brings out that extra level of motivation and energy to channel towards my first World Championships where I am proud to be representing the ARA Australian Cycling Team against the best riders in the world,” said Sophie Sutton who will compete in the Under 23 women's.

The final Australian kit to feature on course will be Garry Millburn in the elite men.

Racing Schedule

Saturday 3rd

1035pm U23 Men - Max Hobson, Finn Kane

Sunday 4th

1235am Elite Women - Fiona Morris

9pm Junior Men – Sam Northey, Campbell McConnell, Finley McRobbie

1035pm U23 Women – Sophie Sutton

Monday 5th

1235am Elite Men - Garry Millburn

You can watch all the racing here.