Following a challenging 2023 season marred by illness, young cyclist Zoe Bäckstedt is gearing up for an ambitious campaign in the Spring Classics. The 20-year-old British rider recently secured her second consecutive UCI Under-23 Women's World Championship title in Liévin and aims to replicate her father Magnus Bäckstedt's success in Paris-Roubaix. Despite facing setbacks last year, Bäckstedt remains focused on her goals and is preparing diligently for the upcoming racing season.

Bäckstedt's journey has not been without obstacles. Last year, a virus disrupted her road racing schedule, forcing her to adapt both her cyclocross and road racing plans. She explained that this disruption significantly altered her racing calendar. "I wasn’t able to compete in as many Classics as I had hoped," she said. However, Bäckstedt's resilience shone through at the recent UCI Cyclo-cross World Championships, where she overcame early crashes to clinch two gold medals—one in the individual event and another in the mixed relay.

In addition to her cyclocross achievements, Bäckstedt made waves earlier in the year with a surprising victory in the Simac Ladies Tour time trial. Though she initially viewed the stage race as a fitness-building opportunity, she emerged with a stage win and third place overall. This performance has bolstered her confidence as she prepares for the demanding Spring Classics.

Bäckstedt emphasized the importance of learning from experienced teammates. "The veterans on my team have invaluable experience, and I’m constantly learning from them," she noted. Her approach to the Classics reflects this wisdom: trusting her instincts, pushing hard, and enjoying the process. As she looks ahead to Paris-Roubaix Femmes avec Zwift, Bäckstedt is ready to showcase her talent and determination on one of cycling's most iconic stages.

With a successful cyclocross season under her belt and a renewed focus on the road, Bäckstedt is poised to make a significant impact in the Spring Classics. Her ability to overcome adversity and consistently deliver top performances positions her as a formidable contender in the world of professional cycling. As she continues to grow and learn, the future looks bright for this rising star.