Cambridge professional Sam Gaze produced remarkable ride to pass more than 50 riders to 12th place in the elite men’s cross-country on the final day of the UCI MTB World Championships in Switzerland.
Cycling – 2025 UCI Mountain Bike World Championships – Cross-country Olympic – Crans-Montana, Valais, Switzerland – Men Elite – Samuel Gaze (New Zealand). Photo: Ed Sykes/SWpix
After an indifferent season, the Commonwealth Games champion was ranked to start in 67th spot near the rear of the field for the exhausting nine-lap race at Crans Montana.
He climbed his way through the field to finish 3m17s down on winner Alan Hatherly from South Africa, who produced a solo display to win his second successive rainbow jersey.
The performance from Gaze turned heads as he passed 18 riders on the first lap, and another 16 on lap two. He continued to pass riders on the tight and testing course, eventually moving to 12th overall.
“It was a very hard day out and I was really restricted in the beginning from my start position which was a reflection of the season I’ve had,” said Gaze.
“I was caught up a bit but then I found a good tempo, and I could ride a good solid speed with lap times there or thereabouts with the leaders.
“Twelfth in the world – I am content with how it went considering my start from the back of the pack. I am now looking forward to the remainder of the year and to improve on my season from here out.”
Sam Gaze was “content” to be 12th in the world. Photo: Alex Whitehead SWPix
