Zoe Backstedt clinched a career-best second place in the elite women's cyclocross World Cup in Zonhoven, following a valiant ride which saw her lead for over half of the event.
The 20-year-old British rider led from the start after powering through the technical sand sections, including the infamous Kuil sand descent.
The Canyon-SRAM rider took inspiration from under-23 rival Marie Schreiber (SD Worx-Protime) who led from start to finish to win in yesterday’s World Cup round in Hulst.
“For the first two laps that’s what I was thinking, maybe I can hold this for a little bit longer,” said Backstedt.
“In the end, Ceylin (Del Carmen Alvarado) and Lucinda (Brand) were just super-strong. There was some tired legs at the end and I was able to battle with Lucinda for that second spot.
“I was giving it my all and was thankfully able to beat Lucinda on the line.”
Backstedt has be working with Canyon-SRAM's newly-hired cyclocross director Geert Wellens. The pair also worked together when Backstedt was racing for Acrog-Tormans team in the under-19 category.
“There was only one time when I had an almost crash on that second downhill,” added Backstedt.
“I was going down it and you could hear the crowds going ‘oooh’ and in my head I was also thinking ‘oooh’.
“I had some fun.”
The British rider then switched onto the road and finished 16th in Paris-Roubaix Femmes avec Zwift and runner-up at Antwerp Port Epic Ladies.
She then came into the ‘cross season in good form having won the individual time trial at the Simac Ladies Tour and placing third overall.
Backstedt faces tough competition to defend her under-23 cyclocross World Championship crown in February from Schreiber and European champion Célia Gerry.
“In the beginning, I didn’t believe that Backstedt would come back to us, I was with Lucinda (Brand) and I could see (Backstedt) wasn’t that far ahead,” said Alvarado.
“We went really deep and then we were there. After yesterday’s feeling today was totally different, I didn’t expect to win so it’s an even better victory.”
“It went well and not so well,” said Brand. “I had a change in feelings. I felt super-strong in the first half.
“There was a corner and when it goes bad, it goes bad. I’ve hated that corner all my life, I really hate it. I try but I really cannot do it.
“I was really aiming for more and during the race I also felt that I was getting stronger. Just over halfway I began to struggle again and my legs started to blow away again.
“I really don’t know why, the cold on my legs doesn’t help.”
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