The big day is coming, and all eyes are on the top specialists of the discipline. These young athletes are ready to battle it out for the ultimate title.
Here is an overview of the main contenders and key figures of this edition.
Célia Géry (FRA)
Born on January 4, 2006, she has everything going for her, with exceptional physical abilities and a strong technical foundation. “She still needs to improve in the running section,” says François Trarieux, the coach of the French national team, well aware that he holds a gem of French cycling. Last year, she became junior world champion and European U23 champion in her first season in the category. She has the potential to cause a surprise.
Marie Schreiber (LUX)
Born on April 17, 2003, a multiple champion of Luxembourg both on the road and in cyclo-cross, she secured top 10 finishes in the Elite category during her first seasons in the U23. However, 2025 will be her final year in the category, giving her one last chance to claim a title that she seems most poised to win.
Zoé Backstedt (GBR)
Born on September 24, 2004, the Welsh rider is a tremendous talent, collecting international titles on the road, on the track, and in cyclo-cross. She has won a total of 5 world titles and 4 European titles as a junior, and then 1 world title and 3 European titles in the U23 category. Her pure strength qualities are reminiscent of her father. A year ago, in Tabor, she dominated the U23 race.
… not to forget Krystina Zemannova (Czech Republic), the reigning vice-world champion (with a strong Czech tradition in XCO), Isabella Holmgren (Canada), U23 XCO world champion and last year’s 4th place finisher in Tabor, or Leonie Bentveld.
Tibor Del Grosso (NED)
Born on July 27, 2003, he is sometimes called “the little VDP” because his style resembles that of the master. His strong puncher-sprinter qualities serve him well both on the road, where he is the Dutch champion, and in the woods. He is the reigning champion in his category.
Jente Michels (BEL)
Born on July 17, 2003, Michels is a two-time European champion (2023, 2024) in the U23 category and also reached the third step of the podium at the Tabor World Championships. He excels on fast, rolling sections of the course.
Léo Bisiaux (FRA)
Born on February 14, 2005, the French rider was world junior champion, having been the physically strongest at the time. Last year, at Tabor, he narrowly missed the podium, finishing 4th. Since then, he has continued to improve, as evidenced by a very strong road season, including a 3rd place finish at the Peace Race. He remains a solid French contender.
Aubin Sparfel (FRA)
Born on May 3, 2006, Aubin Sparfel became the Junior European Champion in Pontchâteau in 2023 and finished 3rd in 2024 during his first year in the U23 category. He is arguably the most technical and punchy rider in his field.
