Opening CX National Series rounds produce sprint finishes and first time podium winners

The opening weekend of the 2025 AusCycling Cyclo-cross National Series delivered thrilling racing and dramatic shake-ups, with Harry Bebbington and Izzy Flint emerging victorious in Saturday's Round 1 before Sunday’s races saw the podiums reshuffled in spectacular fashion in Geelong.

In the elite men's race, Harry Bebbington claimed his first-ever National Series win in a nail-biting finish against 2024 junior national champion Campbell McConnell.

The pair were locked in a tactical battle for much of the race, testing each other’s limits. 

As the final straight loomed, Bebbington found just enough to edge his wheel in front, crossing the line by the slimmest of margins to take the chequered flag and a full haul of national series points.

Elite men Round 1 podium.

Former national champion Chris Aitken showed resilience to fight back from a mid-race flat and secure a well-earned third place. 

In the elite women's race, national champion Izzy Flint, donning the green and gold, found herself in a tense showdown with Miranda Griffiths.  

A leading group of five early in the race quickly whittled down to the dominant duo, setting the stage for a dramatic sprint finish. 

Izzy Flint took the win in a sprint finish in Rd 1.

Flint, determined not to be denied, powered home to take the win ahead of Griffiths, while Ruby Taylor rounded out the podium in third. 

Sunday brought a fresh layout and a fresh set of results. The new course configuration tested riders differently — and some favourites were caught out. 

Izzy Flint’s hopes of a weekend double were dashed when a mechanical issue on the second lap forced her out of contention. That opened the door for Miranda Griffiths, who took full advantage and rode solo to victory. 

Miranda Griffiths took out Rd 2 in Geelong.

South Australia’s Maddie Wasserbaech impressed with a gritty performance to chase down her first elite-level podium in second place, while Victorian Erin Mitchell clinched third. 

In the men’s race, eight demanding laps stood between the field and the podium.

Once again, Bebbington and McConnell were central figures, but this time they were joined by Cameron Ivory dipping his toes into the CX scene over winter. 

With the race hanging in the balance, it was Ivory who timed his effort to perfection, pulling clear late to secure the win.  

Cameron Ivory takes the win in Rd 2 in Geelong.

Bebbington and McConnell completed the podium in second and third, respectively, capping off a weekend of high-calibre racing. 

Round 3 & 4 of the National Series will be held on the weekend of 21-22 June at Heffron Park, Maroubra (Sydney).

Photo credit: Ron Nott