Cresting the Koppenberg with leaders 'gave me a few goosebumps' – Zoe Bäckstedt impresses with fifth in Tour of Flanders

Zoe Bäckstedt delivered an impressive performance at the Tour of Flanders, finishing fifth in only her second elite appearance at the iconic race. Having won the junior edition in 2022 and placed 56th in her elite debut the previous year, Bäckstedt returned to the Flemish classic after two seasons focusing on Paris-Roubaix. Her strong showing among a front group of seasoned riders, including multiple former winners, marked a significant step forward and exceeded her own expectations. Bäckstedt credited her recent form and confidence to a solid result at Dwars door Vlaanderen, where she secured fourth place in the group sprint. This momentum helped her maintain composure over the race’s challenging climbs, particularly the Koppenberg, which she described as a thrilling experience riding alongside the leaders. The Welsh cyclist also highlighted the crucial support from her teammates in positioning her well for the decisive sections of the race. In the latter stages, Bäckstedt was part of a five-rider chase group attempting to catch the leading duo of Pauline Ferrand-Prévot and Puck Pieterse, who contested the sprint for second behind winner Demi Vollering. Despite fatigue and tactical challenges, Bäckstedt narrowly missed out on fourth place in the final sprint, finishing just behind Lotte Kopecky. Her performance signals a growing maturity and resilience in the elite ranks. Looking ahead, this result provides a timely boost for Bäckstedt as she prepares for Paris-Roubaix Femmes, a race with personal significance given her father’s victory in the men’s edition in 2004. Her strong showing at the Tour of Flanders suggests she is developing into a formidable contender in the spring classics, with the potential to make a significant impact in the upcoming season.