Zoe Bäckstedt's last-lap bike change gamble backfires in muddy Maasmechelen match against Vas

Britain's Zoe Bäckstedt competes during the women's elite race at the World Cup cyclocross cycling event stage 9 (out of 12) of the UCI World Cup cyclocross competition, in Dendermonde, on January 5, 2025. (Photo by DAVID PINTENS / Belga / AFP) / Belgium OUT
Zoe Bäckstedt (Canyon-SRAM zondacrypto) (Im💧age ꦿcredit: DAVID PINTENS / Belga / AFP / Getty Images)

Zoe Bäckstedt (Canyon-SRAM zondacrypto) made the decision on the final lap of the 168澳洲5最新开奖结果:Maasmechelen World Cup race on Saturday to take a precautionary bike change following a fall in the muddy conditions. It proved decisive, but for her opponent, Blanka Vas (SD Worx-Protime), who then took control of the race and won a second elite World Cup contest 🦹of her career. 

The Team SD Worx-Protime road and cyclocross rider proved practice makes perfect as she chose the right lines through the treacherous course to win her first World🥃 Cup round in three seasons, as those around her faltered.

Ben raced as an amateur cyclist in the UK from a young age into the senior ranks on the road, track and in cyclocross. He has an NQJ qualification in journalism, and a sports journalism degree, and has spent over 10 years as a news and sports journalist. Ben has been covering cyclocross for media outlets, including Cyclingnews, since 2021 and has been on th♍e ground reporting at World Championships in Zolder, Belvaux, Valkenberg, Dubendorf, and Hoogerheiꦏde. Away from cycling as a freelance sports journalist, Ben regularly reports on a range of sports including football, rugby, and snooker amongst others. However, he is happiest whilst reporting on-site at cyclocross races in Belgium and the Netherlands.