Cameron Mason's 2022 Specialized S-Works Crux cyclocross bike

This is the custom Specialized Crux that helped Cameron Mason to finish second in the 2022 British National Cyclocross Championships. He'd already won an Under-23 UCI World Cup CX event in Dendermonde on the bike in December.

The Crux used to be Specialized's cyclocross-specific bike but was repurposed in October 2021 into "the world's lightest gravel bike". Costing more than £10,000, it must also be one of the most expensive.

The mucky course at the South of England Showground in Crawley had a bit of everything – from gravel and tarmac straights to steep climbs and descents, and off-camber quarry sections.

It's no wonder the talented Scot challenged winner Thomas Mein right to the line on this featherweight speed machine.

The Zipp 303 wheels Mason chose are also very svelte. The ubiquitous Challenge Limus cyclocross tyres in a UCI-compliant 33mm width were fitted to these tubular rims.

Instead of SRAM's premier Red eTap AXS XPLR groupset, Mason decked out the S-Works Crux with the brand's Force components, including the rear derailleur, brakes and cranks.

The single 42t chainring and 10-33 cassette he rode saw him spin a noticeably smaller gear than the powerful-looking Mein.

Mason clipped into Look X-Track Race carbon pedals. Much of the rest of the build consisted of similarly feathery Specialized parts, such as a Roval seatpost and S-Works Power Arc saddle. We were told this was Mason's personal choice.

His bike has clearance for two-inch tyres on 650b wheels, far over the UCI width limit of 33mm. This should have made the forks less likely to clog with mud in the sloppy conditions.

Mason also appears to have tried to shed weight by running a 160mm disc rotor at the front, with a smaller 140mm rear rotor.