One of the most popular of the three supporting events at the Champs, the short track cross country or dirt criterium drew a fantastic men's field eager to duke it out on the 800m circuit in front of a raucous crowd of downhill racers and spectators.
Eleven racers took on the 20-minute, multi-lap sprint challenge, a field containing a mix of Under 17, Under 19 juniors and seasoned elite competitors. Tokoroa's Mike Northcott controlled the race from the front in the early stages, but the charging first year Under 19 Junior Anton Cooper seemed to be biding his time, before finally attacking 15 minutes in. Cooper had the legs and the lungs to ride away from Northcott and the rest of the men's field to claim an utterly convincing title - his second National Championship win in two days. Hillclimb champion Tom Filmer gamely hung on for third place, behind an exhausted Northcott.
| # | Rider Name (Country) Team |
|---|---|
| 1 | Anton Cooper |
| 2 | Mike Northcott |
| 3 | Tom Filmer |
-
‘Unbound 200 being my first gravel race seems a bit unhinged’ – Special ed teacher Jake Richards on his path from Little 500 to Life Time Grand Prix
'I am living my dream: teaching, living in the mountains, and racing in professional events' says Indiana native who balances full-time job as special education teacher for young teenagers in Utah -
How to watch gravel races around the world - A guide to livestreams and free broadcasts for the biggest events including The Traka, Unbound Gravel and more
Life Time will broadcast Sea Otter Classic gravel race on April 16 from Monterey, California -
'The old horse still has some kick' – Taylor Phinney announces track racing comeback as he targets 2028 Olympic Games
US rider, who retired from road racing in 2019, hopes to make USA Team Pursuit squad in Los Angeles -
Who can block Sofia Gomez Villafañe and Cameron Jones from repeat wins at Life Time Grand Prix in 2026? A look at the top contenders
The fifth off-road gravel campaign begins at Sea Otter Gravel with fresh contenders Rosa Klöser, Karolina Migoń, Cobe Freeburn and Simen Nordahl Svendsen among returning favourites
