Zoe Bäckstedt Impresses with 5th Place Finish at Tour of Flanders

The young cyclist's strong performance in the elite race showcases her remarkable growth and potential.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 9:57am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist-style painting depicting a cycling race, with overlapping geometric shapes and planes in vibrant colors representing the energy and movement of the competition.Zoe Backstedt's fifth-place finish in the Tour of Flanders showcases her remarkable growth and potential in the sport of cycling.Paris Today

Zoe Backstedt, a rising star in the cycling world, recently turned heads with her impressive fifth-place finish in the prestigious Tour of Flanders race. Despite starting the previous year in the junior category, the 20-year-old cyclist demonstrated her remarkable talent and adaptability by challenging the elite riders in the demanding one-day classic.

Why it matters

Backstedt's achievement is particularly noteworthy as she made the strategic decision to prioritize the Paris-Roubaix race over the Tour of Flanders in the following seasons, showcasing her ability to make informed decisions and tailor her training and racing schedule to suit her goals. Her performance in the Tour of Flanders, where she was part of a chase group and sprinted for fourth place, underscores her versatility and determination.

The details

Backstedt's success in the Tour of Flanders is made even more impressive by her family's cycling legacy. Her father's victory in the men's edition of Paris-Roubaix in 2004 adds a layer of symbolism to her achievement, as she continues to build upon her family's storied history in the sport.

  • Zoe Backstedt competed in the Tour of Flanders in 2024.
  • Backstedt plans to prioritize the Paris-Roubaix race in the following seasons.

The players

Zoe Bäckstedt

A 20-year-old cyclist who recently finished fifth in the prestigious Tour of Flanders race, showcasing her remarkable talent and potential.

Zoe Backstedt's Father

The father of Zoe Backstedt, who won the men's edition of the Paris-Roubaix race in 2004, adding a layer of symbolism to his daughter's achievement.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Zoe's performance in the Tour of Flanders is a testament to her hard work, dedication, and strategic decision-making. She has the potential to become a true force in the cycling world.”

— Cycling Analyst

What’s next

Backstedt plans to prioritize the Paris-Roubaix race in the following seasons, where she hopes to continue her impressive performances and build upon her family's cycling legacy.

The takeaway

Zoe Backstedt's fifth-place finish in the Tour of Flanders is a remarkable achievement that showcases her talent, adaptability, and strategic decision-making. Her success in a traditionally male-dominated sport challenges stereotypes and inspires a new generation of female cyclists to pursue their dreams.