Mud, mayhem and big moves in Adelaide CX National Series rounds

It was a double-header weekend of grit and glory in Adelaide as Rounds 5 & 6 of the 2025 Cyclo-cross National Series were raced under classic CX conditions. Cold, wet, and seriously muddy. 

Both days were impacted by consistent rain, creating a slick, heavy course that forced riders to dig deep and, at times, dismount and run through sections of unrideable mud.

Saturday - Round 5

In the elite men,  Tristan Nash made a big statement in his first appearance of the series, charging to a powerful victory.  

The West Australian edged out Campbell McConnell and Cameron Ivory in a thrilling three-way showdown. 

Tristan Nash took out Round 5 in muddy conditions.

The elite women’s race saw a major shake-up with Sophie Sutton from the Gold Coast pulling off a surprise victory.  

Sutton, made the trek from Queensland and mastered the mud to hold off national champion Izzy Flint, who had to settle for second, while Talia Simpson rounded out the podium.  

It was Sutton’s first race and podium of the season. 

Sophie Sutton crosses for her first elite women's victory.

Sunday - Round 6  

Sunday brought more rain and even heavier mud which meant a full-on CX grind where riders were forced off their bikes to run through key sections of the course. 

Once again, it was the trio of Nash, Ivory and McConnell battling at the front in the elite men’s field.  

Tristan Nash made it two from two in Adelaide.

Nash gained separation by lap three of seven and never looked back, going two from two in commanding style and firmly planting himself in the title conversation as we head toward the National Championships in under a month’s time in Ballarat, Victoria. 

The elite women’s race saw Izzy Flint bounce back, digging deep to fight off Sutton and take the win.  

Izzy Flint got the better of Sophie Sutton in Round 6.

The result sees Flint reclaim the top spot in the overall standings, with local Adelaide talent Maddie Wasserbach joining them on the podium in third. 

In the U19 Women’s field, it was Alana Fletcher again who proved untouchable — taking back-to-back golds across the weekend, and once more clocking the fastest women’s time overall. 

Bendigo's Alana Fletcher with a dominant display in Round 6.

Riders will now be looking to recover, regroup, and prepare for the National Championships in Ballarat. 

Full results can be found here.

Photo Credit: RideAdelaide