Thomas Mein and Zoe Roche claimed the opening victories of the 2026/27 Lloyds Cyclo-cross National Trophy Series as Britain’s leading riders gathered at Derby’s Moorways Leisure Centre over the weekend of 17–18 October.
Defending series champion Mein (Hope Factory Racing) produced a commanding performance in Sunday’s elite men’s race, breaking clear on the third lap and steadily extending his advantage over his rivals.
Behind him, Alfie Amey (TEKKERZ CC) and Luke Gibson (O’Neills Spirit Racing Team) fought a close battle for the remaining podium places. Mein eventually crossed the line 65 seconds ahead, while Amey edged Gibson in a thrilling sprint for second place by just one tenth of a second.
The elite women’s race provided a much closer contest, with several riders remaining in contention until the closing stages. Zoe Roche, racing in the colours of Decathlon CMA CGM, launched a decisive attack in the final corners to secure victory by three seconds over former national champion Anna Kay (Essec Cycling Team).
Hope Inglis (London Academy) completed the podium, narrowly beating Alderney Baker (Team Empella) in another exceptionally close finish. Roche also claimed the under-23 classification, underlining her credentials as one of Britain’s most promising young cyclocross talents.
In the junior races, Luke Trafford (Shibden Cycling Club) emerged victorious after a close contest with teammate Joe Wooliscroft, while Aisling Charlesworth (Fibrax Fenwick’s Wrexham CC) dominated the junior women’s event, finishing more than half a minute ahead of Olivia Poole.
Saturday’s youth programme also produced some impressive racing, including victory for Gregory Latuszynski (Solihull CC) in the under-14 open category.
The Derby circuit offered fast, largely firm conditions, with technical corners and slippery off-camber sections providing challenges as the weekend progressed.
Derby had originally been scheduled to retain its UCI C2 classification, but ultimately went ahead without international ranking points, bringing it into line with the remaining rounds of the series. British Cycling had cited the need to reduce pressure on event organisers when announcing the wider changes. The decision represents a notable setback for Britain’s elite and junior riders, who must now look elsewhere to earn valuable UCI points that determine starting positions at major international events, including World Cups.
With the opening round completed, the National Trophy Series now heads to Pontypool in Wales on 7–8 November, where the battle for the series titles will continue.
