Zoe Bäckstedt, a 20-year-old cyclist from Pontyclun, is making waves in the world of cycling with her impressive achievements and promising future. She has already clinched numerous titles at junior and under-23 levels, establishing herself as a force to be reckoned with in the sport. Bäckstedt, a versatile rider competing across multiple disciplines, currently resides in Belgium to enhance her professional career.
Most notably, Bäckstedt recently defended her under-23 women’s world championship title at the cyclo-cross world championships. Her accolades also include winning the 2021-22 junior cyclo-cross world championship title, as well as junior world titles in road, time trial, and Madison, in addition to various European and national titles. These achievements have placed her on a trajectory to become a prominent figure in British cycling and a sporting superstar for Wales.
Raised in a family entrenched in cycling, Bäckstedt credits her passion for the sport to her upbringing in a “pure cycling” environment. With both parents having been professional cyclists and an older sister, Elynor, also pursuing a cycling career, Bäckstedt’s journey in the sport was almost predestined. The supportive cycling community in Wales, including her former club Maindy Flyers, has played a crucial role in her development and success.
Having moved to Belgium at the age of 18 to focus on her cycling career, Bäckstedt acknowledges the challenges of being away from home and adjusting to a new country. Despite the distance from her family and the familiarity of her Vale of Glamorgan surroundings, she remains dedicated to her pursuit of excellence in cycling. The support and experience of her cycling-mad family, including her parents who have competed at elite levels, have been instrumental in her growth as a cyclist.
Looking ahead, Bäckstedt has her sights set on ambitious goals, such as competing in prestigious races like the Paris-Roubaix and targeting the upcoming Olympics in Los Angeles. Despite facing setbacks, including missing the previous Olympics due to illness, she remains determined and motivated to showcase her potential on the global stage. With a strong support system and a relentless drive to succeed, Bäckstedt is primed to leave a lasting impact on the world of cycling.
As she continues to strive for greatness, Bäckstedt’s journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes and a testament to the power of dedication and perseverance in achieving one’s dreams. With her impressive track record and unwavering commitment to excellence, she is poised to make a significant mark not only in British cycling but also on the international stage. Keep an eye out for Zoe Bäckstedt as she pedals her way towards sporting superstardom.