Zoe Bäckstedt dives into the field: "I just need to fine-tune a bit and then I'll be ready"
Cyclo-crossTuesday, 05 November 2024 at 09:02
CANYON//SRAM Racing has announced Zoe Bäckstedt's program for the upcoming cyclo-cross season. Bäckstedt took the women's world title in the U23 category early this year and finished in a time that would have put her close to the podium among the pros. Should the still-only 20-year-old British rider improve, she may become an essential factor in the upcoming cyclo-cross races.
The British rider ended her road season well with a third place overall and a stage win at the Simac Ladies Tour. "The end of my road season was better than expected," said Magnus Bäckstedt's daughter. "It excites me for the cyclo-cross season, knowing I have some good form for the first races. I just need to dial in the technical aspects, and I'm ready to go!"
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Bäckstedt high fiving on way to world title
Bäckstedt especially wants to gain a lot of experience
It promises to be a busy winter; she is already competing in five crosses until December 1. But she will also be seen frequently after that. This should give Bäckstedt the necessary valuable experience she looks forward to. "This year's World Cup program is condensed into less than 2.5 months. That means a lot of intense weekends with double days. I've still not had too many full cyclo-cross seasons at the elite level, but I look forward to seeing how I progress."
The busy schedule is the fuse that should set off the fireworks at the cyclo-cross World Championships in February. It will be the highlight of the cyclo-cross season for the British rider, who aims to defend her world title there. February 2, 2025, in Liévin, France. It's printed in Bäckstedt's head. "One of the biggest goals will be the World Championships, which will be near my home in Belgium. Fingers crossed, it will be a course that I will find fun!"
First races for Zoe Bäckstedt:
- November 10, 2024 - Lokeren X²O Trophy (Belgium)
- November 16, 2024 - Merksplas Superprestige (Belgium)
- November 17, 2024 - Hamme X²O Trophy (Belgium)
- November 24, 2024 - Antwerp World Cup (Belgium)
- December 1, 2024 - Dublin World Cup
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Latest Comments
- Van Aert is really handsome. He can influence me all day! Ditto for Philipsen. Why do you think many of us love cycling?: to see heroic attempts at climbing mountains at high altitudes or to watch speedsters sprint for the finish line or to watch a human being ride at break neck speed down a tricky descent? No, it's all about their lean physiques and muscular legs. (apologies for objectifying these dedicated and amazing athletes).BarwonHeadsUp25-10-2024
- It is unfortunate that the author can't feel the joy that Pogacar brings to the sport and his fans who are legion and I for one feel lucky to have watched such a memorable performance and historic season From the Strada until yesterday with multiple wins in stages in both tours and beyond dominance in the World's. He is proud to wear the Rainbow stripes, shows his leadership to protect his fellows and is as courteous and sportsman-like as the sport allows. He goes early to not have to respond to each attack as all the rest would make him do it. Any racer who could would do the same. Don't "grow tired" of greatness as it is always fleeting.ccrider13-10-2024
- What load of rubbish. Pog is likely a once in a generation cyclist, the like of which hasn't been seen since 'the Cannibal '. How many people were complaining that Merckx was making racing predictable? I remember this year's World RR as one of the most exciting I've watched. Mainly BECAUSE Pog was the favourite and launched what everyone thought (Pog included) was a suicidal attack with 80km to go. For the next 2 hours, I was on the edge of my seat thinking "this is too much, even for Pog". Maybe Zonnefeld prefers the snooze-fest that is a bunch sprint? Like most people I know, I can't watch two hours of the bunch riding very fast... I wait for the final 5km and watch just the sprint. In any event, most races are won from a sprint or lone break. What difference does it make who makes the lone break? Ultimately, the other contenders will have to figure out a way to beat Pog. Even if that means collaboration between teams. It's going to be an exciting few seasons, until the next Pog arrives on the scene. If this is boring, heaven knows what exciting looks like!Michael513-10-2024
- This is not a gravel race. UCI fail, from the surface they are on to team tactics. In what country was the first "gravel race" in what country is the most popular gravel race? Go with the race model that created the discipline.
Barnes127411-10-2024 - And don't forget he has now won 4 of the big 10 races (Grand tours, Monuments and WC/OG) in one year with a chance to make that 5. (5 has only been done once before)Joostmehrtens05-10-2024