Cycling Canada has announced its 26-rider squad for the UCI Cyclocross World Championships in Fayetteville, Arkansas, January 28-30.

Led by World Cup podium finisher Mahary Rochette, Canada has a full squad in the junior, under-23, and elite events, as does host USA Cycling.

Rochette started the season with two wins in Rochester, New York in September, but a second at the Besançon World Cup, a third at the Val di Sole World Cup, and a fourth at the Superprestige in Boom were arguably her two weeks in early December best performance.

"I am really happy with my results this season," Rochette said in a federation press release. 'It was the best result of my career and I was more consistent than ever.'

Rochette had her best result at the 2017 World Championships, finishing fifth behind winner Sanne Canto (Belgium). She has not placed in the top 10 since then, but has high aspirations in Fayetteville.

"My goal at the World Championships is to put all these learnings into practice and give the best performance possible. I think it is realistic to aim for the podium, but I want to start this race with an open mind and I don't want to set limits for myself. I've prepared as well as I possibly can, so my goal is to cross the finish line feeling completely worn out, knowing that I've done my best."

Rochette will be joined by Pan American Games silver medalist Ruby West and national cyclocross champions Michael Van Den Ham and Sydney Magill.

The Canadian team will also include Pan American champion Ava Holmgren, ranked #3 in the junior world rankings. Holmgren has finished in the top 10 in two junior World Cup events (Namur and Dendermonde) and was part of the federation team that traveled to Belgium earlier this month and won the junior race in Gullegem.

"The international racing experience we were able to provide our development riders this season will serve them well at the World Championships," said Rob Holmgren, Cycling Canada's cyclocross lead.

"The new skills and experience they were able to gain will serve them well in this competition and in their careers. We have great developmental and veteran players and we look forward to seeing them play against the best in the world."