Zoe Bäckstedt made a powerful over the weekend on December 2nd in Dublin, Ireland, securing her first elite podium of the season in just the second round of the 2024-2025 UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup series. The CANYON//SRAM Racing rider showcased her talent and determination on the slippery, demanding course, delivering an outstanding performance that resonated with an enthusiastic crowd.
The result marks Bäckstedt’s third-ever elite podium at the World Cup level, after finishing third in the Zonhoven and Dublin World Cups last season. The 20-year-old rider won the U23 category in Dublin and now leads the U23 World Cup classification.
Reflecting on her preparation, Bäckstedt said, “I felt good coming into this round. Last year, I had a good race here in Dublin, and generally, my preparation for the past few days leading up to the weekend has gone well. I was feeling excited about this race in general.”
As well as a good build up to the event, the challenging Dublin course also favoured Bäckstedt’s riding style. Comparing conditions to the previous year, she said, “Last year, there was more rain, so the course was much muddier than today. The course was still slippery enough to suit me, especially since it’s a power-type course. I felt good in the recon, which is great when you go to the start line and have that feeling in your head.”
“I’m so happy with today. Fans were all around the course, and many were shouting my name. It was so fun to be in that atmosphere, which motivated me. Knowing I was in contention for an elite podium pushed me even more, and I’m very happy with the result!” she concluded with a smile.
Achieving an elite podium so early in the World Cup Cyclo-cross season solidifies Bäckstedt’s place among the rising stars of cyclo-cross and as an all-round talent in the world of cycling.
