As we continue our celebration of International Women’s Day 2025, we arrive at our 2023 British Gravel Champion, Xan Crees. Her victory was one of the most thrilling sprint finishes the Championships have ever seen. On top of her gravel success, Xan recently claimed the Cyclo-cross National Championship title, further proving her versatility and determination as an athlete. Her journey hasn’t been without challenges, but she has powerful insights on pushing through setbacks and rediscovering the joy in sport.
Why Gravel? Xan’s Journey into the Sport
Xan, what drew you to gravel cycling? What keeps you going through the tough moments?
“For me, gravel was a lifeline to keep cycling outdoors. After being hit by a car, I struggled with anxiety on the road and needed an alternative to keep riding. It turns out riding off-road helped me fall back in love with cycling all over again.
I decided to give gravel racing a go, alongside my cyclo-cross and crit races, and the atmosphere at the events got me hooked. There's such a friendly vibe from riders across all levels. You have top athletes standing alongside riders who are simply aiming to get around and have a good time, which is so lovely to see. Gravel racing is tough, but whenever I'm suffering, I remind myself to just enjoy the ride and embrace the community of cyclists who are out there simply to have fun.
Celebrating Achievements: Xan’s Proudest Moments
We often don’t take enough time to celebrate ourselves. What’s your proudest cycling moment?
“Of course, I'm incredibly proud of both my national titles, but there's something a little bit special about my Cyclo-cross National Championship win. I certainly wasn't the favourite going into the event, and crossing the line was an incredibly emotional moment. It was a dream I had as a young rider, and after plenty of setbacks the year before, I was so proud of myself and all the progress I'd made.
Suddenly, all the sacrifices—missing family events and Christmas for racing and training—felt worth it. I also hope my win shows that you don’t have to be a professional or ride full-time to achieve big things. I want girls like me to know that just because you weren’t winning major races as a youth or junior doesn’t mean you can’t keep going and aim high.”
Keeping Girls in Sport: Advice from Xan
A recent study found that over two-thirds of teenage girls quit sports altogether by the time they are 16 or 17.
Xan, how did you navigate this challenging time, and what advice do you have for teenage girls thinking about quitting?
“For me, cycling was my social life—it’s what kept me going. I was lucky in that sense, as I couldn’t imagine not cycling. Having friends who rode too made it easier to stay in the sport because, for me, every race or training session was also a social event.
But for those who are struggling, I’d say—remember why you started! Sport should be fun at the end of the day. Try going back to the moments that bring you joy. Whether that's café rides as a cyclist or just meeting up with friends, find a way to make sport enjoyable again.”
Inspiring Female Athletes: Who Motivates Xan?
Who is your biggest female athlete inspiration?
“It would be hard not to say Marianne Vos—an absolute legend in the sport and a rider who has been incredible in every discipline she touches. What I admire most is her longevity; year after year, she comes back and competes at the highest level.”
Final Thoughts
Xan Crees’ journey shows the power of resilience, adaptation, and community in sport. From overcoming anxiety after a serious accident to claiming national titles, she embodies the idea that setbacks don’t have to define you—they can be stepping stones to even greater achievements. Her advice reminds us that sport should always bring joy, and that success isn’t measured solely by early wins but by persistence, passion, and a willingness to keep going.
Stay tuned as we continue our series, highlighting the stories of past British Gravel Champions who are inspiring the next generation of female cyclists.
