BÄCKSTEDT BRILLIANCE FOR TWO MORE YEARS

Entering her third full season with CANYON//SRAM zondacrypto, having joined towards the end of 2023, Zoe Bäckstedt has renewed her contract with the team through until 2028.

“I’m really excited to be extending my contract with CANYON//SRAM zondacrypto and to be staying for another two years,” says Zoe. “Like any big decision, I took time to work out what the next step was, but ultimately, I know that this is the right place for me at this stage in my career. We have great equipment and partners, and the team is professional but also feels like a second family, which suits my personality and allows me to be me. I also really appreciate that the team supports my ambitions in both road and cyclo-cross. Of course, it’s the people that matter, and both riders and staff really make this team. I love working with them and am excited about what we can achieve next.”

Competing across both cyclo-cross and road, Zoe quickly clicked into gear within CANYON//SRAM zondacrypto, winning the youth classification at her first race with the squad – the Simac Ladies Tour in September, 2023. It has proven to be a happy hunting ground for the Welsh rider, who has since won the youth classification for three straight editions, alongside two time trial stage victories at the WorldTour race.

This exceptional ability against the clock is one of her most potent weapons on the road, further illustrated by a current streak of six consecutive time-trial victories since June last year. The run started with the 2025 British National Elite title and includes a spectacular U23 World Championship crown.

Meanwhile, off-road, Zoe continues to fire through the winter months while others take a step back. During her time with CANYON//SRAM zondacrypto, she has claimed two U23 Cyclo-cross World Championship rainbow jerseys, alongside multiple elite World Cup podiums – consistently proving her strength on knobbly tyres as much as on slick ones.

Rolf Aldag, Director of Sport at CANYON//SRAM zondacrypto, emphasised the importance of retaining the versatile and multi-gifted 21-year-old for the upcoming seasons.

“I think Zoe is one of the most talented young riders developing within the team, and it’s an important but logical step to show that we have a long-term plan and commitment to our riders. Of course, it’s very nice to see that Zoe is committed to the team as well, because it’s always easy to think that the grass is greener in the neighbour’s garden. For Zoe to choose to stay shows belief in the team and in its future.”

Rolf also highlighted what makes her such an asset to the team:

“Zoe has a lot of good qualities, both in terms of performance and personality. She brings entertainment, big smiles to breakfast, and a very positive attitude. She has a great character, along with a high level of motivation and self-drive. On the bike, she has incredible power, which all together leads to success in time trials and the classics racing.”

“She also has a love for the chaos of the northern classics, which really sets her apart. There are many riders who are strong in those races and can do well, but don’t necessarily enjoy them. Zoe is unique because she loves the fight for position, the cobbles, and the bad weather. She knows she can deal with it all and cope with the pressure, and that makes her really special.”

These attributes have been particularly evident in recent weeks, where Zoe delivered her best WorldTour one-day results to date, highlighted by a top five at the revered and brutally demanding Ronde van Vlaanderen. Rolf sees plenty more to come, and has clear ideas on how the team can help unlock it.

“For sure, she will get stronger – both physically and tactically – with age. I think her very specific focuses will, of course, be time-trialling and the classics. It’s really not crazy to believe that, in the next couple of years, she can win some of the most prestigious one-day races, especially in Belgium. Plus, she can win more time trials and be more competitive in stage races for the overall classification.”

“I think where we can still help her, as a young rider, is by giving her confidence and backing. She needs time, the opportunity to learn from mistakes, and to be free from crazy expectations in the coming seasons – it has to be a process that we all go through together.”

Zoe’s achievements to date feel like just the beginning. Her constant cycle across disciplines will continue to build momentum, with more remarkable successes still to come – something Zoe is fully focused on.

“I have lots of targets over the coming years, and would love to win some more rainbow jerseys, as well as help the team to win one-day and stage races. I just want to carry on having lots of fun, on and off the bike. Bring it on!”