'We're not racing gravel or mountain bikes': the traditional cyclo-cross set-up is there for a reason, says British CX star

Cameron Mason on the way to fifth at the European CX Championships 2025.

Cycling as a sport is based very much on tradition – traditional practices, races and a traditional aesthetic. For many of us this is something we love – after all, who hasn't gazed just a little bit longingly at a classic racing bike from, say, 50 years ago, dripping with chrome and history.

Of course, there are times when we roll our eyes and wish the sport would get with the programme. The UCI's attempt, ultimately abandoned, to press rewind on the Hour record and standardise all bikes and equipment to Eddy Merckx's 1972 ride, is the perfect example.