4TH FOR ZOE IN HER SECOND CX RACE OF THE SEASON

Zoe Bäckstedt took a major step forward in just her second race of the cyclo-cross season, securing a strong fourth place in Monday’s X²O Trofee Azencross – Loenhout, following a tough debut outing the day before.

The 21-year-old Welshwoman was delighted with the performance she was able to deliver, a remarkable turnaround from 27th in Sunday’s Round 8of the UCI World Cup in Dendermonde, where the physical demands of cyclo-cross and reduced technical confidence took their toll.

“Fourth place today was incredible. After yesterday, it really wasn’t expected, and I think that’s what makes it almost feel like a victory for me!”

A broken wrist caused a sudden and challenging delay to Zoe’s off-road campaign, keeping her away from outdoor riding for five weeks. She was, however, able to return to her cyclo-cross bike a week before racing without issue.

Speaking moments before the start in Belgium’s Dendermonde, Zoe struck a balance between motivation and realism.

“It feels great to be back. It’s a little bit nerve-wracking to be here again on the startline when everyone I’d say is in pretty good shape and I’m maybe not in the best cyclo-cross form of my life, but it’s a startline that I’m on and maybe I’m not going to do the best today, but I’m here to just have some fun and be racing again.”

“Fitness wise I’m pretty good but with technique and everything… I’ve done three cyclo-cross trainings since I crashed along with three before, so in total this season I’ve ridden this bike six times. The skills are going to be a little bit rusty but I just have to keep in mind that I’m back racing and that’s the main part.”

Now in hindsight, after Monday’s strong performance, she feels that her apprehension on Sunday may have held her back.

“The main lesson I took from yesterday’s race was to just stay calm. Before the race yesterday, I didn’t feel great – I was nervous and a little scared to be back racing after my crash. But today, I felt completely different and I’m happy about that!”

Despite feeling disheartened after Dendermonde, racing against riders already in full-season form was a necessary baptism by fire, helping to ensure future races feel much more positive.

Heading into Monday’s X²O Trofee Azencross, Zoe left Dendermonde behind and focused on Loenhout – a dry, traditional Belgian circuit where raw power and strategy would play a greater role.

She made a strong start, immediately stamping on the pedals and positioning herself near the front of the race. Over the six-lap, 50-minute contest, Zoe remained firmly in touch with the leaders, frequently hitting the front and gaining visible confidence as the race progressed.

“I could enjoy today’s race a lot more than yesterday’s. I could hear people cheering for me all around the course; that helped so much to find the joy again, and gave me more motivation to push harder.”

On the final lap, she fought determinedly to remain within striking distance of the eventual podium trio – current cyclo-cross dominator Lucinda Brand, alongside Zemanová and Bakker. In the closing minutes, the elastic gradually stretched beyond reach, but the result clearly demonstrated Zoe’s underlying form and considerable progression from Sunday.

“⁠⁠After these two races, I think my skills are getting better. They’re not 100% yet, but we are getting there! My fitness is also in a place where I’d like it to be; it is nice to see that the work I did on Zwift over the last month has paid off!”

Zoe will take a brief two-day breather before continuing her rapid return to cyclo-cross with a packed block of three Belgian races in four days: X²O Trofee Baal – GP Sven Nys Superprestige Gullegem, and Round 9 of the UCI World Cup in Zonhoven.

“My hopes for the next races are to keep progressing. Most important is that I enjoy racing like I did today, and that I keep fighting until the line!”