ZOE BÄCKSTEDT CLAIMS 7TH AT WORLD CHAMPS IN ELITE DEBUT

A persistent, powerful ride saw Zoe Bäckstedt take seventh at the 2026 UCI Cyclo-cross World Championships in her elite debut – a result she was thrilled with.

“⁠I’m really happy with this result. Okay, on paper, it’s not my best ride of the season but after coming from the 3rd row, it’s something I can be proud of!”

Although still eligible for the under-23 category, Zoe made the big decision to step up and race in the separate elite field – a choice made all the more commendable after October’s broken wrist cut her season nearly in half.

Looking back, there’s “not a chance” she’d reverse the category decision, despite passing up the chance for a rainbow-jersey three-peat at U23 level.

“I’m happy I decided to race elite this season, and I’m proud of my result after such a short and chaotic season! It also makes me happy to be able to watch the U23 race tomorrow without the nerves of being on the start line,” Zoe joked.

This year’s Worlds was held just a stone’s throw from the Belgian border in Hulst, a town set in and around a historic star-shaped fortress. The 3.3km course snaked around former defensive embankments, connecting steep climbs and slippery descents to long power straights, energy-sapping steps and moat-crossing pontoons.

The arena-like setting looked primed for a showdown between the orange army, with Dutch favourites Pieterse, Brand and Alvarado all targeting victory on home soil. But in the 36-rider field, there were plenty of others ready to fight for glory.

Zoe had a strong start from the third row, settling into the top 10 on the highly technical circuit. While she never reached the very front, she remained steady and composed – an ever-present threat to those ahead.

Her composure was crucial, as the drama over the six laps matched the race’s prestige; crashes were frequent, and few riders enjoyed a clean lap. There was never a moment to assume success or count anyone out, yet Zoe stayed focused from beginning to end.

In the second half of the race, she hovered agonisingly close to the group contesting third, but couldn’t quite bridge the gap. She crossed the line seventh, 14 seconds down on third, as Pieterse darted away to complete an all-Dutch podium headed by Brand.

It was a race that largely unfolded as hoped for Zoe.

“It was for the most part, a good race. Of course, I made some mistakes and fumbled a few times, but nothing that the best don’t do either! I had a good start which I wasn’t expecting, and it set me up in a good position for pretty much the whole race!”

There’s little time to decompress because unlike in previous years, Zoe will transition straight into road racing – a silver lining of her shortened winter season.

“⁠⁠Next up… UAE Tour! Yes, it’s a swift move across to the road scene, but I’m optimistic about my ambitions for the coming season!”

Attention is already turning to the Middle East, where racing begins in just a matter of days.