Zoe Bäckstedt takes on Lucinda Brand and Puck Pieterse at World Championships in Hulst

Lucinda Brand, Puck Pieterse, and Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado will face competition from Zoe Bäckstedt next weekend - when the world title is contested in Hulst. The British all-rounder has participated (successfully) in the U23 race in recent years, but will now start in the elite cross-country race.

The British Cycling Federation has meanwhile announced its selections for the upcoming World Championships in Hulst, Zeeland. What stands out immediately: Zoe Bäckstedt will compete at the elite women's World Championships for the first time.

The 21-year-old Bäckstedt has shown impressive performances in elite cyclocross races for several seasons, but in previous years she always competed at the U23 World Championships. In 2023, she had to settle for silver behind Shirin van Anrooij, but in 2024 (Tábor) and 2025 (Liévin), she won the U23 world title.

Progress 
Bäckstedt started her cyclocross season relatively late due to injury, but has taken the necessary steps in recent weeks. This weekend she rode to two top-10 finishes in the World Cup. She placed eighth in Maasmechelen and even fourth in Hoogerheide.