Xan Crees, the newly crowned British national cyclo-cross champion for 2025, has risen through the ranks of competitive cycling, gaining recognition for her dynamic racing style and versatility. The 24-year-old rider, who competes for Spectra Racing p/b DAS, is also a former British gravel champion, having established herself as one of the most promising figures in British cycling.
In this exclusive interview, Crees discusses her introduction to the sport, the challenges she has faced, and the unforgettable experience of winning her first elite national cyclo-cross title.
A Passion Ignited by the London 2012 Olympics
Crees’ journey into cycling began in 2012 when she was inspired by the London Olympics. A passionate sports enthusiast from a young age, Crees had dabbled in netball, swimming, and even mixed martial arts, but hadn’t yet found her calling. After watching the Olympic Games, she joined her local club, Derby Mercury, where she was introduced to the world of cyclo-cross.
“I started out with road racing, but it was when I tried cyclo-cross that I truly fell in love with the sport,” Crees recalls. “It was the community and the camaraderie that drew me in, and I didn’t even realize it at first. It was about being out there with friends, sharing a passion, and feeling supported by everyone, including the parents cheering from the sidelines.”
The Appeal of Cyclo-Cross
For Crees, the social aspect of cyclo-cross has always been one of the sport’s biggest draws. “The races were a bit of a social gathering as much as they were competitions,” she explains. “It was a chance to connect with friends, share experiences, and race together. That sense of community was what made me feel like I belonged.”
Her first race was a Go-Ride event, a brief but memorable 300-meter course that would ignite her competitive fire. It wasn’t long before she was stepping up to her first cyclo-cross competition, a Notts Derby round, where she secured third place. Despite limited preparation, Crees demonstrated an innate aptitude for cyclo-cross, even managing to finish strong after a dropped chain.
Looking back, she feels that the sport might have always been her destiny. “Maybe I had some cyclo-cross instinct that I didn’t even know about,” she reflects.
A Dream Come True: Winning the National Championship
Crees recently achieved one of the greatest milestones of her career, winning the 2025 British National Cyclo-Cross Championship. The victory came as a shock to Crees, who admits that even after crossing the finish line, the reality of her success hasn’t fully sunk in.
“It still feels surreal,” Crees says. “I was emotional the whole day, and when I woke up the next morning in Belgium for another race, I couldn’t stop crying. It’s a dream every rider has, and to achieve it was just unbelievable, especially when I hadn’t expected it at this point in my career.”
Race-Day Bike Setup: The Gear That Took Crees to the Top
Crees’ triumph at the National Cyclo-Cross Championship was powered by her well-thought-out bike setup, which proved crucial on the muddy and icy course. She rode a Pearson On and On, a gravel bike known for its versatility and durability in cross-country conditions.
“The Pearson On and On is a gravel bike, but it’s proven itself in cyclo-cross races,” Crees explains. “I used Schwalbe X-One Bite tires, which are incredibly grippy and perfect for muddy, icy conditions. They give you so much confidence on the course.”
Additionally, Crees opted for a 1x setup on her bike, which she prefers for cyclo-cross races, along with a chain guard to prevent the dreaded chain drop during muddy races. Her choice of Ere Research Omnia wheels, typically used for road racing, also contributed to her success.
From Gravel to Cyclo-Cross: A Natural Transition
In 2023, Crees claimed the British National Gravel Championship title. Though she was initially aiming to compete in mountain biking, a lack of suitable bike sizes led her to switch gears and enter gravel racing.
“I originally planned to race mountain bikes, but struggled to find a competitive option in my size,” she admits. “Instead, I took up gravel racing and quickly found that the skills from cyclo-cross translated well to the gravel scene. I ended up finishing third in my category at the Gravel National Championships, having only participated in a few races.”
Cycling Heroes: Vos and Cavendish
Growing up, Crees admired two legendary cyclists—Marianne Vos and Mark Cavendish. Vos, known for her dominance across multiple cycling disciplines, stood out as a role model for Crees.
“Marianne Vos was my hero. She’s incredible at everything she does, and she has a title in pretty much every cycling discipline,” Crees says. “I also looked up to Mark Cavendish because, being British, he was someone I could actually watch on TV.”
Advice for Aspiring Cyclists
Throughout her career, Crees has received invaluable advice, particularly about managing pre-race nerves. A veteran racer once shared a powerful lesson with her: “It’s ok to be nervous because it shows that you care about the race. If you’re not nervous, you don’t care enough.”
For Crees, this perspective has helped her channel her nerves into motivation, allowing her to perform at her best, even under pressure.
Balancing Racing with Work
Despite her racing commitments, Crees remains grounded with a job outside of cycling. She works part-time for Hunt Wheels in customer service and tech support, where she assists customers and fellow riders. She jokes that her email signature should now include the title “British National Cyclo-Cross Champion.”
For Crees, cycling isn’t just about the races—it’s about the community, the joy of competition, and the constant drive to improve.
As she looks ahead to the future, Crees continues to push the limits of her potential, and with the British National Cyclo-Cross title under her belt, it’s clear that this is only the beginning of her remarkable journey.
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