Welsh cyclist Zoe Backstedt is set to make her debut at the Tour de France Femmes, which starts Saturday in Lausanne, Switzerland. The 21-year-old arrives at the prestigious race on the back of a strong start to the 2026 season, having successfully defended her title at the Baloise Ladies Tour and secured top-five finishes at both Dwars door Vlaanderen and the Tour of Flanders. She also recently claimed both the British national road race and time trial championships.
Backstedt described the moment she received news of her selection as a mix of excitement and disbelief, admitting she initially feared “jinxing” the opportunity before it was officially confirmed. Her consistent performances, especially in individual time trials, played a key role in securing her place on the Canyon-SRAM team. She has won four of five ITTs or prologues this season, with her only loss coming as runner-up to reigning world time trial champion Marlen Reusser at the Tour de Suisse.
As the current under-23 world champion in the time trial discipline, Backstedt is considered one of the favorites to win the race’s fourth stage, a 21-kilometer time trial from Gevrey-Chambertin to Dijon. The course features a 1.8-kilometer climb averaging 6.9 percent gradient near the start, followed by additional elevation changes before descending to the finish line. Backstedt noted that, despite struggling physically on a reconnaissance ride shortly after the Paris-Roubaix race, the largely flat route with manageable climbs suits her strengths.
While she is mindful of the pressures that come with competing on such a high profile stage, Backstedt emphasized a pragmatic approach focused on personal performance and enjoyment. She said she aims to “just have some fun on the time-trial bike” and is open to outcomes ranging from a top-10 finish to a possible stage victory.
Canyon-SRAM will field a strong lineup that includes 2024 Tour de France Femmes champion Kasia Niewiadoma, sprinter Chiara Consonni, and Giro d’Italia podium finisher Antonia Niedermaier. The race route is challenging, featuring a summit finish on Mont Ventoux on stage seven and a demanding final day with four ascents of the Col d’Eze within 100 kilometers.
Backstedt’s role is expected to vary throughout the race. She will target individual time trial stages and potential stage wins, provide support for Niewiadoma’s title defense, and contribute to Consonni’s sprint lead-out train. Reflecting on the versatility of her responsibilities and the team’s depth, she described having “cards to play” as a positive factor heading into the competition.
In addition to her racing duties, Backstedt has taken on an informal role as team motivator, seeking to channel her recent successes into morale and confidence for herself and her teammates at the Tour de France Femmes.