Zoe Bäckstedt takes first lead in Vuelta a Extremadura

Zoe Bäckstedt won the opening time trial at the Vuelta a Extremadura. The Canyon//SRAM rider started as one of the last and then knocked Maeva Squiban out of the hot seat.

What kind of stage was scheduled? In the Spanish region of Extremadura, an 18.4-kilometer time trial was planned on Friday, starting and finishing in Herrera del Duque. The course was almost flat, except for a few elevation meters midway through the trial.

How did the beginning of the time trial go? At the start, Australian talent Mackenzie Coupland caused a surprise by setting a top time, putting top contenders and outsiders like Antonia Niedermaier and Ally Wollaston more than half a minute behind.

How did the finale unfold? In the last half hour, we first saw Squiban narrowly beat Coupland’s best time. Top favorite Bäckstedt still had to start. She ultimately delivered as expected, although Brodie Chapman, starting second-to-last, came within twelve seconds.