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Zoe Bäckstedt, a former junior world champion on the observe, in cyclocross and on the highway, has signed with Canyon-SRAM after the demise of the EF Education-TIBCO-SVB Team, the German squad introduced on Friday.
The multi-discipline expertise’s contract begins with rapid impact, in time for Bäckstedt to plan for her cyclocross season, which is able to start within the USA with the Main Taylor Cross Cup in Indianapolis on October 7.
The deal ends any future uncertainty for Bäckstedt after the collapse of the group run by Linda Jackson, who stated she was happy the 18-year-old discovered a brand new group.
“Putting Zoe on a brand new group earlier than the 2023/2024 CX season began was essential to supporting her 2024 World CX Championships objectives,” Jackson stated within the Canyon-SRAM press launch.
Bäckstedt is the fifth rider from the group to signal a brand new contract after Alison Jackson, Veronica Ewers, Magdeleine Vallieres and Letizia Borghesi signed with the new EF Education-Cannondale group.
“I’ve at all times revered Ronny’s group, and we’ve got very comparable methods; to search out promising younger riders early and develop them into prime worldwide riders. At simply 18, Zoe could be very younger and has unbelievable potential. She wants a group that may work along with her as she grows and never put an excessive amount of strain on her too quickly.
“She’s gifted throughout many alternative disciplines, and balancing her racing calendar and never overloading her requires a group targeted on creating riders and placing their wants first. She has that with Canyon-SRAM, and whereas unhappy about my group’s circumstances that led to this alteration, I’m really excited to comply with her future with Ronny’s group, and I want her the easiest.”
Canyon-SRAM will enable Bäckstedt to proceed to mix cyclocross, highway and observe, she stated.
“I am excited concerning the alternatives at Canyon-SRAM Racing. I’ll get to race with a robust squad and have the liberty to race in any self-discipline I need to, as effectively.
“The group has made a number of developments within the final yr, and you may see that on and off the bike. I actually like this; it helped my choice as I wish to have a very good construction round me. Plus, the bikes and equipment are fairly cool!”
Workforce Supervisor Ronny Lauke stated Canyon-SRAM reached an settlement with Jackson “shortly and easily” to begin Bäckstedt’s contract on September 1.
“That enabled Zoe to start the subsequent cyclocross season already with our group, which we agreed was to her profit. Zoe will match effectively into the group of riders we have already got united throughout the group and our excessive ambitions to develop additional. We’re wanting ahead to the journey.”
In 2022, Bäckstedt gained three world titles – cyclocross and her second highway race Worlds along with the time trial title earlier than getting old as much as under-23 this season. With out a well-established espoir circuit for ladies, Bäckstedt has been discovering her approach within the senior ranks.
In cyclocross, she gained the silver medal on the under-23 Worlds in Hoogerheide.
“This season has been a bit irritating when it comes to damage, however that is made me recognize the significance of the group round you and the way a lot they might help. I’ve additionally realized that coming from junior to elite is one loopy massive step! My worlds at junior have been +/- 60km lengthy, and the longest race I did this season was 165km at Gent Wevelgem. I’ve additionally realized there is not any strain in your first years to do something spectacular however extra to study out of your errors and your teammates,” she stated.
“For the remainder of 2023, I shall be focussing so much on the cyclo-cross season as I am a second-year U23 rider, and I would wish to chase after the World Cups as a lot as attainable. My objectives past which are creating as a rider, particularly within the subsequent couple of years whereas I am nonetheless younger, and from then on, attempting to get some outcomes and simply having enjoyable within the course of!”
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