West Lothian Courier

Cycling star Cameron’s the best of British

Title sets him up for World Championsh­ips

- CALLUM CARSON

Linlithgow’s Cameron Mason admits he’s ‘over the moon’to have clinched the British Cyclo-cross title – and is now targeting success on the world stage.

The 22-year-old sealed the title for the first time in his career earlier this month and is now preparing for the World Championsh­ip in The Netherland­s in a fortnight.

The Trinity Racing pro admitted he learned from his mistakes, having fallen just shy last year as he took the chequered flag at the event in Westmorlan­d.

Speaking to the Courier, he said: “I’m over the moon to have won the British title. To be honest it’s been a few years in the making so it’s an amazing feeling to have finally won it.

“I lost out by eight seconds last year and I certainly learned from my mistakes and it’s worked. I was

I’m over the moon. It’s been a few years in the making so it’s an amazing feeling Cameron Mason

a bit too keen last year and used a lot of energy early on which had a negative impact.

“I went in with a different mindset this time and knew I had to be ready to be patient and then take my chance and I feel that’s exactly what I was able to do on the day.”

He added: “I didn’t have the best of starts to be honest but I knew I just needed to be patient and keep at it.

“After about 20 minutes or so I was down in eighth or ninth place.

“Three laps in, I started to make moves and went more on the attack before being able to take the lead. Once I got there I went at my own pace and actually ended up winning by about two-anda-half minutes. I was absolutely delighted with how the race went.”

There’s no rest, though, as he takes on the best of the world in Hoogerheid­e on February 5 at the UCI Cyclo-cross World Championsh­ips.

Having clinched the British title, he’s hoping to give a good account of himself on the global stage and said: “I’m in Spain training for the World Championsh­ips just now.

“Obviously this gives me a huge boost going into them. This will be my first year in the Elite age category – I finished fifth in the Youth 23s last year.

“I’m confident I can give a good account of myself but it’s a field stacked with so much talent.

“I think if I have a perfect day, I can get into the top 10, but there’s probably a fair few who will be thinking that as well.

“I’ll be happy if I can go there and give it my best shot.”

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 ?? ?? Winning moment Cameron crosses the finish line to seal the British title (Pics: Ross Brannigan)
Winning moment Cameron crosses the finish line to seal the British title (Pics: Ross Brannigan)
 ?? ?? Delight Cameron is all smiles at the end of the race
Delight Cameron is all smiles at the end of the race

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