• [Dailystar Icon]
• Sport
• Other
• Tour de France

Meet the British star aiming for time-trial glory at the Tour de France Femmes

EXCLUSIVE Zoe Bckstedt is aiming for time-trial glory at the Tour de France Femmes after 'being on a cloud' since her national title

[Zoe Bckstedt]

Zoe Bckstedt is currently racing the Tour de France Femmes(Image: JEAN-CHRISTOPHE BOTT/EPA/Shutterstock)

You get to the bottom of a climb, look up and think, Wow, this is the world we live in! It's a super cool place to be, Zoe Bckstedt said as a smile appeared across her face.

On the eve of the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift, Bckstedt, who is a Red Bull athlete, had been chasing content creator Dan Jones up Cheddar Gorge in Somerset, making light work of one of Britain's most famous climbs.

The 21-year-old showcased the time-trialling prowess that has made her one of the brightest young talents in the women's peloton, charging past the amateur cyclist on her way to the summit.

[Zoe Backstedt performs in Cheddar Gorge, Cheddar, United Kingdom on June 30, 2026. // Leo Francis / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202607230089 // Usage for editorial use only // ]

Zoe Backstedt raced up Cheddar Gorge on the eve of the Tour

JOIN US ON FB! Get all the best sports news and much more on our Facebook page

It's that same strength against the clock she hopes will put her in contention for a Tour stage victory. Preparations for the season, however, were far from straightforward.

Over the winter it was a bit different because I broke my wrist, so I was restricted in what I could do, Bckstedt explained, after taking the Junior World Championship during her final race day of last season.

A lot of my sessions ended up being on the time trial bike because it allowed me to rest my wrist without putting too much pressure through it, while still doing my intervals!

[Zoe Bckstedt (centre) has been tasked with helping Katarzyna Niewiadoma (left)]

Zoe Bckstedt (centre) has been tasked with helping Katarzyna Niewiadoma (left)(Image: Getty Images)

Despite the setback, Bckstedt has enjoyed one of the strongest campaigns of her career. She claimed a time-trial victory at the Vuelta a Extremadura Femenina before completing the British road race and time-trial double.

And, on the eve of the biggest race on the calendar, the youngster wrapped up overall victory at the Baloise Ladies Tour.

It gives me extra confidence and motivation going into the race, especially with the time trial coming up, Bckstedt explained.

[Team Canyon//SRAM Racing zondacrypto]

Team Canyon//SRAM Racing zondacrypto have a wealth of riches at the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift(Image: Getty Images)

I'm taking all the motivation from those recent results into the Tour, and hopefully I can pass some of that confidence on to the rest of the team as well. I've been on a bit of a cloud since Nationals!

While the time trial presents the opportunity to chase an individual result, Bckstedt's primary role throughout the Tour will be supporting 2024 champion Kasia Niewiadoma as she bids to regain her yellow jersey.

I think that's something I'm quite good at - keeping her where she needs to be during the race.

Niewiadoma sealed overall victory after surviving the final ascent of Alpe d'Huez; the Polish star had been dropped by Demi Vollering, but managed to keep hold of yellow by just four seconds.

This year's route presents another iconic climbing challenge in the shape of Mont Ventoux - a prospect Bckstedt is relishing, even if she's approaching it with a dose of respect.

I'm definitely a little nervous about it. It's going to be an absolutely brutal climb. I'm just hoping there are plenty of crowds on the climb and lots of people cheering. That always gives you extra motivation.

I definitely won't be one of the first riders up there, so hopefully I'll have a bit of time to enjoy the atmosphere and take in the fans!

[Dailystar Icon]

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Choose Daily Star as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.