Flynn Claims British Elite Women’s National Title, Day Claims British U23 Women’s National Title as Barnes Shine at Storm-Hit British Cyclocross Championships
South Shields, UK – 2026 British Cyclocross National Championships
The 2026 British Cyclocross National Championships delivered one of the most brutal race days in recent memory, as South Shields’ traditionally dry seafront course was transformed by relentless rain, freezing winds and the threat of snow. With “feels like” temperatures dropping to –6°C and gusting headwinds battering the exposed circuit, riders faced a true test of strength, skill, and resilience.
Ever-changing conditions forced rapid equipment decisions throughout the day. Pearson On&On Race rolled out on ERE OMNIA II CLR45 White Edition wheelsets, paired with Schwalbe’s X-One Bite — their grippiest mud tyre — a combination that proved decisive through the slickest and most technical sections of the course.
This weekend perfectly showcased the strength of the partnership between Ere Research, Pearson Cycles, and Team Spectra. As a proud partner, Ere Research was delighted to see this collaboration come fully to life, with riders, equipment, and team working seamlessly together under the most demanding conditions. The performances delivered on the OMNIA II CLR45 White Edition wheelsets were a clear reflection of shared values: performance, reliability, and innovation at the highest level.
Women’s Race
Anna Flynn, Elena Day, and Maddie Cooper represented the team on the women’s start line, facing a long, flat opening straight into a punishing headwind before the first climb. The opening lap saw constant position changes as a large lead group formed, with Flynn and Day firmly in contention.
As the race wore on and the conditions took their toll, Flynn made a decisive move at the front, eventually breaking clear to battle head-to-head before going solo for the final two laps. Demonstrating exceptional control through the technical sections and raw power on the exposed straights, Flynn rode to a commanding victory, crossing the line 1:23 ahead of second place to secure the Elite Women’s National Title.
Behind her, Elena Day separated from the chase group to deliver a strong and composed ride, finishing fifth overall in the elite race and claiming the U23 Women’s National Championship. Maddie Cooper produced one of her most consistent performances to date, riding sections few others could manage and maintaining a top-ten elite position throughout. She finished just outside the U23 podium, underlining her growing strength in the discipline.
Men’s Race
The men’s race ignited almost immediately, with Toby Barnes and eventual winner Cameron Mason breaking clear at the front. Barnes repeatedly challenged Mason across different sections of the course and briefly opened gaps, ultimately securing an outstanding second place — his best-ever finish at a British National Championships.
Dan Barnes spent much of the race riding strongly in third position, solo for long periods, before a late surge from Ben Askey in the closing laps saw Dan narrowly miss out on the podium. Alfie Amey also rode much of the race alone, confidently taking his own lines through the technical terrain. In the latter stages, he became part of a tight battle for the U23 podium and launched a fierce final-lap chase, finishing just four seconds behind his brother to claim seventh overall in the elite race and third in the U23 category. Joe Beckingsale capped off an excellent cyclocross season with a determined ride in treacherous conditions, finishing 15th and securing a top-20 result.
The collective strength of the men’s performances earned the squad the Men’s Team of the Day title for the second consecutive year.
National Championship Results
Elite Women’s Champion
🥇 Anna Flynn (GB)
U23 Women’s Champion
🥇 Elena Day (GB)
Elite Men’s
🥈 Toby Barnes (GB)
U23 Men’s
🥉 Alfie Amey (GB)
Men’s Team
🏆 National Team of the Day (GB)
Despite extreme weather and ever-changing conditions, the 2026 British Cyclocross National Championships showcased grit, adaptability, and elite-level performance — qualities that defined a memorable and hard-fought weekend of racing on the South Shields seafront.
An honourable mention also goes to Esther Wong racing across the Irish Sea in the Irish National Championships. After recent months plagued by injury and illness, the defending champion battled back from an early mechanical to secure a hard-earned third place, showing true determination and resilience.
