British rider Zoe Backstedt has become the U23 World Champion in the individual time trial in Kigali, Rwanda. Earlier this season, the 20-year-old, racing for Canyon//SRAM zondacrypto, competed in the Tour de Pologne Women, where she played a key role in Chiara Consonni’s overall victory.
The UCI Road World Championships are currently underway. In Kigali – the capital of Rwanda – each day brings new riders who, for the next 12 months, will wear the iconic rainbow jerseys.
On Monday, the U23 women and men faced the demanding individual time trial course. Among the women, the 22-kilometer race was dominated by Zoe Backstedt, who claimed the gold medal, finishing nearly two minutes ahead of Slovakia’s Viktoria Chladonova. Italy’s Federica Venturelli took the bronze. Polish cycling fans may recognize the newly crowned world champion not only from her international success but also from racing on Polish roads. Backstedt rides for Canyon//SRAM zondacrypto, with whom she competed in the 3rd Tour de Pologne Women.
The races in the Lubelskie region proved particularly successful for the Briton and her teammates. While she did not fight for top positions herself, her teammate Chiara Consonni won the ORLEN General Classification as well as two stages, both finishing in Zamość and Kraśnik.
The 3rd Tour de Pologne Women also brought a strong performance from Malwina Mul, who placed 16th in yesterday’s time trial. Scouts from top teams had already noticed the talent of the MAT ATOM Deweloper Wrocław rider. From next year, Malwina Mul will join the WorldTour squad Cofidis.
The U23 women will return to action at the World Championships on Thursday, in the road race held on a 119-kilometer course packed with climbs. Poland will be represented by Malwina Mul and Weronika Wąsaty.