Thea Persson Leads Sweden in U23 Women’s CX European Championship

The U23 women’s race brought the 2026 Cyclocross European Championships in Zeddam, Netherlands, to a close for Sweden. Thea Persson led the Swedish trio with 25th place, followed by Clara Widell in 32nd and Saga Elf Boberg in 33rd.

Sweden sent an 11-rider squad to the championships, marking a large national team presence at the European cyclocross event. The U23 women’s race was the final category for the Swedish team.

Persson Leads the Swedish Trio

Persson completed the race in 4:53 behind the winner. Widell crossed the line in 32nd, 5:50 back, while Elf Boberg placed 33rd at 7:01.

The three Swedish riders finished within a little over two minutes of one another, with Persson taking the best Swedish result. She is the reigning Swedish champion, having claimed the national title in Malmö in January.French Riders Sweep the Podium

France claimed all three podium places. Célia Gery won in 46:17, finishing nine seconds ahead of Lison Desprez. Amandine Muller took third, 1:12 behind Gery.

The fast French podium battle set a demanding pace for the field. Persson finished 4:53 behind the winner, with Widell and Elf Boberg completing Sweden’s results in the U23 women’s race.

Congratulations to Thea Persson, Clara Widell, Saga Elf Boberg, and the full Swedish team on their European Championship campaign.

Photo: Beyond Horizon Media / SCF