Zoe Bäckstedt stormed to a career highlight, securing her best-ever result in the Cyclo-cross World Cup elite category with a brilliant second-place finish on the iconic Zonhoven course. The CANYON//SRAM Racing rider delivered a gritty and tactical performance against tough competition to reach the podium.

Reflecting on the course, Zoe noted the contrast between Zonhoven and the previous day’s race in Hulst. “Today’s course was similar in parts to yesterday but also different. Today had pure sand descents and climbs, much more running uphill than climbing uphill like yesterday,” Zoe explained.

Zoe started strong, taking the lead in the race’s first half and forcing any other contenders to work hard. As the race unfolded, and even when Lucinda Brand and Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado caught Bäckstedt, the young British rider held her composure.

“⁠⁠I tried to stay calm when I could see they were catching. I focused on my lines and remembered to recover in some places. When the lead changed, I tried to think fast and make moves to benefit myself.”

Alvarado went clear on the penultimate lap, with Zoe and Brand locked in a tight battle. With the finish line approaching, Zoe found the extra gear she needed and raced to second place. The result is a breakthrough for Zoe, surpassing several third places in the past two seasons to enjoy her best result in the elite category.

“Second in elite! I’m so happy with it. If you told me yesterday, when I wasn’t happy with my race, that I’d get second today, I wouldn’t believe you! The legs are there, and I’m more motivated for the next races now.”

Zoe’s strong performance in Zonhoven has given her a boost of motivation heading into the second half of the 2024/2025 Cyclo-cross World Cup season. She is now gearing up for the Gavere and Besançon World Cups, set for 26 and 29 December, respectively.

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