Zoe Bäckstedt continued her most successful weekend of the 2023-2024 cyclo-cross season, clinching third place in today’s World Cup in Zonhoven. Zoe showcased her powerful skills and determination to claim her third elite-level podium of the season. Her impressive third place marks yet another milestone in her promising career. It also comes on the back of yesterday’s victory at Cyclo-cross Gullegem.

The course in Zonhoven is renowned for its two sandy descents. Zoe, who crashed on the descent last year, said she was nervous and excited about the race before the start. This year, the descents proved no concern for the 19-year-old CANYON//SRAM Racing rider.

Zoe says, “I came here to Zonhoven on Wednesday to ride the course. I was a little bit nervous about the pit because I crashed there on lap one last year, but I was looking forward to the race, so I think the nerves just added to my excitement to race.”

“I didn’t expect that result today. I was in the hurt box for a while, so I’m really happy to get third. It’s unfortunate that Lucinda crashed as she was flying, and I wish her a speedy recovery.”

“I had consistent lap times, which I was happy with. It also took a little bit longer for Puck to come past me than I thought because it was about half a lap before. I made a few mistakes in the sand, which slowed me down a little, but overall I did well.”

“Normally, I’m not so great in the sand, as we don’t train it in the UK that much. I only train on sand when I have a race coming up. I had a double weekend, had no expectations, and have come away with two results I’m really happy with.”

“I was still on a bit of a high from yesterday’s win. I raced my bike and enjoyed a lot of mud yesterday, a little bit today, plus some sand. I felt confident, and I had fun.”

The result moves Zoe into seventh place in the elite general classification and second in the U23 classification. She will next race the penultimate round of the World Cup series in Benidorm, Spain on 21 January.

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