Under bright stage lights in a sweltering arena, Josh Harris and Matilda Field have wrapped up the ARA Australian Cycling Team’s campaign at the 2025 UCI Cycling Esports World Championships.
Harris finished 14th and Field 19th against the world’s best esports riders at the live final in Abu Dhabi on Saturday evening.
“I have mixed feelings about the result,” said Harris, who couldn’t replicate his top-10 place from last year. “It's not up to my usual standards, but I am quite satisfied with it given the night. A bit of a hollow feeling.”
Harris, who hails from Launceston, Tasmania, said he was among several competitors who struggled with the heat.
“I knew eight minutes into Stage 1 that it was going to be a tough night,” he said. “I was rapidly overheating and couldn't push near the power I expect. From here on I shifted my goals to try and be top 15.”
Field, who qualified for the finals in 20th position, improved her place by one on the night.
“I felt very honoured to be there and represent Australia; it was just an incredible feeling. Being there was Josh has been really great,” Field said.
“As for my result, I was disappointed that in the third race I didn’t do what I knew I could.
“But at the end of the day, maybe it would have been a few places better, but I think either way I am happy to have improved on my semi-final position.”
Both riders, who are also the reigning national champions for cycling esports, spoke positively about the standard of the event and the opportunity to compete against their rivals in person.
“Overall, it's such a great event to be part of. As esports athletes, spending time with these people is by far the greatest experience of the season,” Harris said.
“Honoured to be part of the action, and hopefully this is one step in a good direction for esports,” Field said.
Results – 2025 UCI Cycling Esports World Championships
Elite Women
🥇 Mary Kate McCarthy (NZL) – 597pts
🥈 Gabriela Guerra (BRA) – 525pts
🥉 Francesca Tommasi (ITA) – 478pts
19. Matilda Field (AUS) – 252pts
Elite Men
🥇 Jason Osborne (GER) – 564pts
🥈 Michal Kaminski (POL) – 493pts
🥉 Lennert Teugels (BEL) – 468pts
14. Josh Harris (AUS) – 308pts
Photos: SWpix.com