'Age doesn't matter' - Zoe Bäckstedt carries momentum from Flanders to 'unpredictable' Paris-Roubaix with Consonni and Dygert among reinforcements

Zoe Bäckstedt arrives at this year’s Paris-Roubaix Femmes as a co-leader for Canyon-SRAM, carrying strong momentum from a successful spring campaign that included top-five finishes at Dwars door Vlaanderen and the Tour of Flanders. At just 21, the former U23 time trial World Champion is aiming to improve on her previous best of 15th place in this notoriously challenging race, which features 33.7 kilometres of cobbled sectors over a 143.1-kilometre course. With a solid foundation of fitness and a confident mindset, Bäckstedt is embracing the unpredictability of the race, emphasising her focus on enjoying the experience and racing with heart. The Canyon-SRAM squad brings a wealth of experience to the race, fielding six riders who have all previously tackled Paris-Roubaix Femmes, including Chiara Consonni and Maria Martins, who have multiple appearances under their belts. American rider Chloé Dygert, despite having fewer race days this season, believes her fitness will be sufficient to contribute effectively to the team’s efforts. Bäckstedt highlighted that age is less important than experience and team dynamics, noting the mutual support among teammates as a key factor in their strategy. This year’s edition of Paris-Roubaix Femmes features several notable changes, including a new race day shared with the men’s event and a revised sequence of cobbled sectors, with three new sections introduced. Among these is the demanding 2.5-kilometre Haveluy à Wallers sector, rated four stars for difficulty and featuring a sharp 90-degree bend. Bäckstedt expressed optimism about the new course layout, suggesting that the earlier, less punishing sectors will allow riders to better prepare for the toughest parts of the race. Chiara Consonni, known for her sprinting prowess on both road and track, is considered one of the team’s key assets, having secured top-10 finishes at Paris-Roubaix in previous years. She acknowledged the race’s unique blend of physical challenge and the element of luck required to succeed, particularly with the finish on the Roubaix velodrome. Consonni is confident in the team’s depth and tactical options, stressing the importance of positioning well throughout the race before contesting the finale. As Paris-Roubaix Femmes continues to grow in stature and complexity, Bäckstedt and Canyon-SRAM’s combination of youthful ambition and seasoned experience positions them as strong contenders. With the race’s evolving format and the inherent unpredictability of the cobbled sectors, the team’s collective strength and adaptability will be crucial in navigating one of the toughest one-day races on the women’s calendar.