Zoe Bäckstedt Secures Another Elite World Cup Podium in Dublin
Zoe Bäckstedt claimed her second-ever elite podium in Dublin, Ireland, with a remarkable performance in muddy conditions. The 19-year-old rider not only secured third place overall but also won the U23 category, propelling her to second place in the overall classification. Zoe’s exceptional performance extended her lead in the U23 World Cup classification, further solidifying her standing in the competition.
In reaction to her achievement, Zoe expressed her delight at racing in front of her family, stating, “It was incredible racing in front of so much of my family. It’s special for me, and I loved having them come to the race.” Reflecting on her performance, she emphasized the adaptation to changing course conditions, stating, “I feel like I managed the course pretty well. It changed entirely from recon to the race due to the rain, but I had that in mind already before we arrived at the course on race day.” Zoe’s strategical decision-making extended to choosing the right tires while warming up, which ultimately paid off during the race.
Expressing her satisfaction with her race pacing, she said, “I’m really happy with how I paced the race.” Zoe highlighted the competitive nature of the event, saying, “The last lap and a half was a little stressful with the Luxembourg rider coming back to me, but I think overall, I managed it pretty well!” Despite the intense competition, she remained unaware of the small gaps until the final lap.
Looking ahead, Zoe expressed optimism for the remainder of the season, remarking, “The season so far is going better than expected!” She also shared her anticipation for future races and a training camp in the USA, stating, “I’m looking forward to the next races, but first I have a training camp in the USA, and I’m excited to see all my teammates again.”
Zoe Bäckstedt’s outstanding performance in Dublin underscores her growing prowess in elite cycling, solidifying her position as a formidable contender in the sport.
