Bäckstedt revealed as a mud freak: "If it doesn't rain, I'll hire someone to bring water to the course"

Zoë Backstedt is in good spirits and performing well. This was particularly evident during the Dendermonde World Cup, where she claimed to have achieved a third-place finish in the elite women's category using only 75 percent of her ability. IDLProCycling.com captures the current story of the woman in form!

We had conversations with Bäckstedt before and during the European Cyclocross Championships in Pontchâteau. Just a week before she was crowned European Champion in the U23 category in Ruddervoorde, she expressed her preference for challenging weather conditions in Western France. "Ideal conditions for me are two degrees Celsius, heavy rain, chest-deep mud, and a generally unenthusiastic atmosphere," she had said. And that's exactly what happened in Loire-Atlantique, where she dominated the U23 category. "It was really a course for the powerhouses, which suits me well. In this regard, I'd like to thank the organization for designing this course,' she exclaimed then in France"

Bäckstedt has a busy schedule, especially since she competes in two categories. During the European Cyclocross Championships, she also told this website that she feels somewhat caught between the elite and U23 levels. "Yes and no. I perform well in the under-23s and I'm happy about that. But I also do well in the elite races at the World Cups. The girls there push me, and I gain a lot of experience. I'm getting better technically and in terms of power, so that's fine," she shared with us.

The muddier, the better for Bäckstedt

In Dendermonde, the 19-year-old Welsh rider proved once again that she can be described as a true powerhouse. In East Flanders - where the weather gods, especially the rain gods, had wreaked havoc - she seemingly effortlessly navigated her way through the mud, securing a commendable third place. Enough reason for IDLProCycling.com to catch up with her again in the mixed zone.

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"I wasn't feeling completely well and was even doubting whether I would start after the course recon. I then had a 15-minute discussion with my coach about whether I should really start this race," she surprisingly remarked. "We decided to see how it goes for two laps and then decide based on those two laps whether or not to continue. In the race itself, I eventually felt great, so I'm extra glad that I decided to start anyway."

According to Bäckstedt, due to her symptoms, she was only riding at about 75 to 80 percent of her capacity in Dendermonde. "To be honest, maybe even a bit less. I am also very curious to see what is possible at the full 100 percent, especially on tough courses like here in Dendermonde. The last time I participated here, it was in the juniors category. I won then too. So, I can comfortably say that this course suits me well. I really enjoy racing here, and I only have good memories of it. And even more so after today! From now on, I'll do a rain dance every time we race here. Hopefully, they'll listen and we'll get the same conditions," she says, unable to suppress a laugh. "Otherwise, I'll just hire someone to bring water to the course!"

Bäckstedt looks forward to a full season of racing on the road at Canyon//SRAM Racing

Bäckstedt has shown several impressive performances this cyclocross season, although the end of the winter is still far off. "Before the season, I had set a goal to aim for one podium place in the elite category. So, that goal can be ticked off. I'm very satisfied with how the season has gone so far, though many important goals are yet to come," she acknowledges. "I will certainly fight for the World Cup jersey in the U23 category, although I must mention that I will skip the races in Val di Sole and Flamanville."

Paris-Roubaix winner Alison Jackson may feel a bit disappointed that her good friend (and former teammate) Bäckstedt moved from EF Education-TIBCO-SVB to Canyon//SRAM Racing on September 1, 2023. The 35-year-old Canadian told this website in September that Bäckstedt was a very pleasant lady to have in a riders' group and that the British rider kept her young at heart. Bäckstedt herself is mostly excited to see what she can achieve with her new team. "I've only raced one road race for this team (Simac Ladies Tour, ed.). So, it will definitely be an adjustment next spring. However, the training camp will make up for a lot. I'm really looking forward to slowly getting to know all the girls. And until then, I'll definitely be doing a lot of rain dances!" she adds in conclusion.