There was a time when only a handful of Canadians would head to the ‘cross worlds and to be top-30 was a major accomplishment. Now, Canada sends dozens of riders (23 in 2025) and many of them are favourites for rainbow jerseys and hardware. The 2025 worlds are in Jan. 29 to Feb. 4 in Liévin, France.
Two years ago, Isabella Holmgren made history becoming the first Canadian to not only medal–but win a ‘cross world championship. A few seconds later, her sister became the second, taking silver.
The Holmgrens
Both Holmgrens will be racing the under-23 race and are strong favourites for the podium. Could Bella add (another!) rainbow jersey to her victory closet? Will her sister join her as well? In 2024, at Tabor they had solid rides, with Bella taking 4th after a rough start. Had there been one more lap, she may very well have caught Leonie Bentveld for the bronze.
That was also the twins’ first year racing under-23. They both have a year of WorldTour racing under their belt—and each having some good rides. Bella was second at the Tour de l’Avenir, and Ava had some impressive rides in Europe including a second at Stage 4 of the Tour de Normandie. Both women have had some impressive rides in their condensed ‘cross season. Bella just finished 12th at the elite women’s UCI World Cup, and Ava finished third at the Sven Nys round X2O Trofee in Baal behind world champ Fem van Empel and Lucinda Brand.
The under-23 women’s roster includes the Holmgren sisters, Mia De Martin, Dorothee Perron, and Marie-Fay St Onge.
Ian Ackert
In the under-23 men’s category, Ian Ackert, Alexander Woodford, and Maxime St Onge will rep Canada. Ackert is looking for another big ride—he was sixth at the 2024 edition. Ackert has been impressive all season and could very well podium if he is consistent and avoids bad luck. You may remember at the 2022 worlds, racing as a junior, he was DFL after the first lap. He had some of the fastest laps–quicker than the eventual winner, Jan Christen, and rode his way to eighth.
The elite women’s team will be Sidney McGill, Katelyn Walcroft, and Christiane Bilodeau. We won’t be seeing Maghalie Rochette after her injury and illness following a strong start to the season. In the elite men’s category, Tyler Clark and Cody Scott are selected.
Carrier’s race to win
Rafaelle Carrier will lead the junior women, along with Nico Knoll, Aislin Hallahan, Lily-Rose Marois, and Maya Tasse. Carrier is a huge favourite for the race,…
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