Zoe Backstedt's dream debut is just around the corner – the 21-year-old Welsh cycling sensation is set to trade her British roads for the gruelling terrain of the Tour de France Femmes. Joining forces with Canyon-SRAM, she'll be riding shotgun for Katarzyna Niewiadoma-Phinney as they chase down a second title.
Last month's double whammy – clinching both the British road race and time trial titles – cemented Backstedt's reputation as a force to be reckoned with. The icing on the cake? A thrilling sprint stage victory at the Tour de Suisse Femmes in June, which showcased her lightning-quick reflexes and razor-sharp instincts.
With her name already etched in history books for becoming the youngest ever winner of the 2026 Baloise Ladies Tour, Backstedt has raised the bar once more by defending her title last week. This impressive feat is a testament to her unwavering dedication and an unshakeable commitment to excellence.
The countdown begins – the Grand Depart for the Tour de France Femmes is set to roll out on 1 August in Lausanne, Switzerland. Backstedt had already confessed to feeling goosebumps at the prospect of competing in this prestigious event, calling it 'incredible'. With her family's cycling heritage running deep (her dad Magnus was a seven-time Tour de France veteran and mum Megan a British road race champion), it's little wonder Zoe is primed for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
As she prepares to join the elite ranks of female cyclists, Backstedt knows that her family's legacy is watching over her. "It really runs in the family to be a cyclist," she said with a smile – but there's no question this talented youngster will carve out her own path and leave an indelible mark on the world of cycling.