A slow start derailed Cameron Mason’s quest to step back onto the podium in the elite men’s race at the UEC European Cyclo-cross Championships on Sunday. Starting on the second row, the British champion was in 27th place after Swiss rider Kevin Kuhn, who also started on the second row, took the holeshot and led the field onto the tough course in Zeddam, in the Netherlands.

One lap later, as the field was stretching out and gaps started to form, Mason was 17 seconds back, in 23rd position. Not giving up, the 26-year-old started to give chase, trying to pick his way through the riders on a technical course which offered limited spots to pass.