Adverse weather conditions expected at the European Cyclocross Championships, Bäckstedt delighted: "Cold and heavy rain are ideal"

Zoe Bäckstedt's versatility is well known. The 19-year-old British cyclist, daughter of the tall former pro cyclist Magnus Bäckstedt, excels on the road, track, and in cyclocross. She is the top favorite for the upcoming European U234 cyclocross championship in Pôntchateau. Heavy rainfall is expected this weekend, but the rider from Pontypridd is not afraid of the challenging conditions.

Several cycling journalists, including our correspondent from IDLProCycling.com, had a brief yet insightful conversation with Bäckstedt after the Superprestige race in Ruddervoorde, which was won by Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado. In West Flanders, she shared her thoughts on the upcoming European Cyclocross Championships in Western France, which, at the time of the interview, was just a week away. "My recent results give me a lot of confidence as I look ahead to the European Championships," said the Canyon//SRAM Racing rider as she began her personal preview.

Bäckstedt is looking forward to the European cyclocross championships, which may literally (and not figuratively) be a washout for her

"There's quite a bit of climbing to tackle during the European Championships, and I'm really looking forward to that. Normally, I'm not a pure climber, especially on the road. In cyclocross, I perform well when there are many elevation changes. For example, the race in Namur with the famous Citadel usually suits me. In any case, I'm really excited about it," she enthusiastically concludes.

With the European Championship quickly approaching, there's considerable focus on the weather. It indeed appears to be quite challenging in terms of meteorological conditions. However, Bäckstedt is the last person to lose sleep over it. "When it's two degrees Celsius, and the rain is pouring down, the mud is splashing up to your chest, and nobody is in the mood for it, that's when I perform at my best. Those are truly the most ideal conditions for me. I definitely prefer that over a sunny or dry cross," she notes with a broad smile in Ruddervoorde. And what is her secret recipe exactly? "The key is to stay focused, carefully observe and memorize the course, and then go full steam ahead. But, of course, you have to remain calm at all times."