Cat Ferguson was always poised to excel at the UCI World Road Championships in Zurich, but securing two junior world titles within 48 hours surpassed even her loftiest aspirations. Hailing from North Yorkshire, Ferguson has been a dominant force, winning British national titles and Youth Olympics gold medals since her early teens. In 2023, she clinched the junior Tour of Flanders and earned silver in the road race at the Glasgow world championships. This season alone, she has triumphed in 12 races, with her worst finish being third place.
Her recent gold medals in the junior women’s time trial and road race in Zurich have ignited expectations of a stellar career. Comparisons are already being drawn to past champions like Nicole Cooke and Tadej Pogacar, but Ferguson, who was inspired by Lizzie Deignan’s performance at London 2012, remains grounded. “It’s crucial to remember that I’m only 18,” she tells the Observer. “I’ve received a lot of advice to take things slowly. Rushing is not the way to go.”
Confident, articulate, and self-assured, the Skipton native who first conquered Alpe d’Huez at eight has been the top junior rider for the past two years. Recently, she signed a three-year contract with the Spanish World Tour team Movistar. She is also the third British rider, following Nicole Cooke and Zoe Backstedt, to hold both the road and time trial titles. “It’s fantastic to be winning at 18,” she says, “but I aim for a long and successful career. Longevity is key.”
Ferguson is also mindful of the intense pressure that comes with professional cycling. “Mental strength is as vital as physical prowess,” she notes. “This year, a few riders have taken breaks due to depression, which highlights the importance of acknowledging mental health. We’re all human.”
Ferguson’s double victory was bittersweet, coming against the backdrop of the tragic fatal crash of Swiss rider Muriel Furrer during the junior women’s road race. According to the UCI, Furrer sustained a severe head injury and was flown to Zurich hospital in critical condition, where she later died. “There is an ongoing investigation by the police and public prosecutor,” said Olivier Senn, deputy director of the Zurich 2024 world championships.
Cat’s father, Tim, a pivotal figure in her success, was deeply affected by Furrer’s death. “Returning home elated, but thinking of her parents,” he said. “I can’t imagine their pain.” Cat’s rapid ascent to World Tour level is even more remarkable given her tenure with her father’s modest Shibden-Hope Tech-Apex team until recently.
Joining Movistar represents a significant leap. Tim’s struggle to sustain his team, largely funded by family, underscores the precarious state of British domestic cycling. Despite these challenges, both Cat and her teammate Imogen Wolff have advanced to the women’s World Tour. Tim acknowledges the stark contrast between his team and Movistar. “We’re still seeking a team car and bike sponsor,” he says. “We drive everywhere. What more can we do?”
Even within Movistar’s more affluent setup, Ferguson will continue her learning curve. “I’m adapting to team roles,” she says. “In my junior years, I was the leader, so I’m transitioning to being more of a domestique. I still hope to compete in races where I can be more assertive.”
Ferguson plans to balance training in Spain with her new team and the rugged terrain of North Yorkshire. “Our culture fosters great cyclists. You need grit to thrive in Yorkshire, with its roads and weather.” She adds, “Group rides are intense, never just social. Each ride is a challenge, which has shaped me as a rider.”
