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 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-and-a-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.”
Cameron would like to thank his coach James McCallum. mum and dad as well as West Lothian Clarion for all their support.
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