Trusting her instincts and adapting to the race. How Izzy Flint is conquering the CX scene

We caught up with the reigning elite women's CX National Champion Izzy Flint ahead of the National Championships in Ballarat on the 16th August for a bit of insight into her racing plans.

You’re the current national champion and now leading the national series, what’s been the biggest change for you, mentally or physically, since winning the title?

Earning the green and gold bands for the year is always an honor. For me CX is not my main discipline so it's mainly about trying to stay in touch on the CX bike and continually trying to improve and refine my CX skills. 

Izzy Flint will defend her title in Ballarat.

Cyclo-cross demands a unique blend of power, finesse, and tactics. Is there a particular skill or moment in a race where you feel your strengths give you an edge?

On the mtb techy stuff is my jam but the CX is a little different, I still find the tech fun and enjoyable but CX sometimes humbles me far quicker than I'd like! Weirdly enough though I feel like my dismount and remount is something that I can be confident in, depending on the course this can often play a factor in the end results. 

Izzy Flint competing at the recent Adelaide CX National Series rounds.

You've been incredibly consistent this season. How do you approach race-day strategy—do you go in with a set plan or adapt on the fly?

I usually have a loose plan—key lines I want to take, where to be aggressive, and where to recover—but cyclo-cross rarely sticks to a script. I’ve learned to trust my instincts and adapt as the race unfolds. 

CX courses can vary wildly—from mud baths to fast and dry circuits. Do you have a favorite type of course or conditions where you thrive?

I quite like the mud and the rain, A little bit of a slip and slide is my jam for sure. I will say I don't have a heap of experience in a complete mud bath so somewhere in the middle. 

Izzy Flint is the current overall national series leader after 6 rounds.

If you could design your dream CX course, what would it include?

Something techy, not too many corners, some steep pinches, a bit of sand and definitely some tech descents! 

What are you expecting from the Ballarat course, as I believe there are a few changes in store? Where are the main sections to make a decisive move?

I’ve heard there are a few tweaks this year, which I’m excited for. Ballarat usually has a mix of fast grassy sections and some more technical parts around the mound, so positioning early will be important.

If it’s dry, I think the key moves will come from explosive efforts out of corners and late attacks. If it’s wet, it’ll be more about staying smooth and making fewer mistakes than everyone else.