James Cowper Kreston Partner represents Great Britain at UCI Gravel World Championship 2025

James Cowper Kreston is proud to announce that Fiona Hawkins, Partner, has represented Team Great Britain at the UCI Gravel World Championship 2025, held on 11 October in the Zuid-Limburg region of the Netherlands, with the start in Beek and the finish in Maastricht.

The UCI Gravel World Championship is an annual global event organised by cycling’s world governing body, the Union Cyclist Internationale (UCI). The competition brings together elite and amateur cyclists from around the world to race on challenging gravel terrain, with winners earning the coveted rainbow jersey to wear in future events.

Competing in the age-group amateur category, Fiona completed an 81km course featuring 800m of climbing across mixed terrain and rural countryside. She achieved an impressive 16th place in her age group and was the second-fastest British rider, recording a personal best average speed of 28.2 km/h over the gravel course.

Reflecting on her experience, Fiona said: “The UCI Gravel World Championship is a celebration of grit, strategy, and the joy of riding off the beaten path. It’s not just about who crosses the line first; it’s about earning your place among the world’s best on terrain that tests every ounce of your skill and endurance. Success isn’t just measured in medals or jerseys; it’s about proving to yourself that you belong, and is built on preparation, persistence, and love for the ride.”

Fiona’s journey to the world stage began less than a year ago when she entered a gravel race in Scotland to reignite her passion for cycling. After more than a decade away from serious riding, she embarked on an ambitious training plan, balancing up to 14 hours per week of preparation with her professional responsibilities at James Cowper Kreston. Her dedication paid off when she qualified for Team GB by finishing third at the Græan Cymru qualifying race in Wales in September.

Describing the race, Fiona commented: “The terrain was mixed, with steep gravel climbs and beautiful tracks through the South Limburg countryside. The atmosphere was incredible - spectators cheering and hearing calls of ‘Go GB!’ as I passed in my national kit was unforgettable.”

For Fiona, the event was as much about personal growth as competition: “Balance training with the professional responsibilities at James Cowper Kreston was one of the hardest things. Even if you’re busy or stressed by work or family commitments, you can still achieve things that you put your mind to. Taking time to do something personally rewarding is important.”

At James Cowper Kreston, we’re incredibly proud of Fiona’s achievement, which echos the firm’s shared values of perseverance, excellence, and balance. As Fiona explains: “There are close parallels between cycling and professional life - perseverance, strategy, and teamwork. You need commitment to train and race, but also the adaptability to pivot when plans change, much like in business.”