Shirin Backstedt is reflecting on a landmark season in 2026, marked by significant personal achievements and breakthroughs on the women's professional cycling circuit. Her campaign has been highlighted by victories at both national championships, a maiden WorldTour win at the Tour de Suisse, and a strong performance at the prestigious Tour of Flanders.
Backstedt, who has quickly emerged as a prominent figure in the sport, credits maintaining a positive team atmosphere and enjoying the racing experience as key factors in her success. “When I’m having fun is when I have my best days on the bike, when I have my best results, so I just want to bring that to everyone in the team,” she said, emphasizing the importance of team dynamics in her approach.
Her breakthrough performances have sometimes caught her by surprise. Reflecting on her race at the Tour of Flanders, Backstedt acknowledged she did not expect to be part of the front group. “I find myself there and I’m like, this is really cool, almost fangirling the people around me because I’m like, am I really here? Am I really in this group?” she recalled. At the finish, she placed behind an elite group including Annemiek van Vleuten, Pauline Ferrand-Prévot—the reigning Tour de France Femmes champion—Puck Pieterse, a noted Classics specialist, and former world champion Lotte Kopecky. These formidable competitors represent the caliber of opposition Backstedt regularly encounters on the WorldTour.
Her rapid rise in the sport is particularly striking given the relatively recent establishment of the Tour de France Femmes in its current iteration, offering more visibility and opportunities for women cyclists at the highest level. Just a few years ago, Backstedt’s current level of success might have seemed out of reach, underscoring the growing depth and competitiveness of women's professional cycling.
Backstedt is set to compete again today in Lausanne, continuing her season against many of the top athletes in the discipline. As the calendar advances, her consistency and enthusiasm suggest she will remain a key athlete to watch in 2026 and beyond.