A Rainbow Jersey On Her 18th Birthday! That’s How Zoe Backstedt Rolls

Exciting young rider Zoe Backstedt has won here second World Championship event in Wollongong, the Team Great Britain rider claiming Gold in the Junior Road Race today.

Winning the rainbow jersey on her birthday, the 18yo also won the junior Time Trial earlier in the week.

Zoe’s race plan appeared to be straightforward from the start – go hard early and don’t ease off the pace. Attacking 10km into the 67km race, she held the lead until the finish, also holding her 2-minute gap all the way to the line.

Zoe Backstedt crosses the line for her 2nd Rainbow Jersey of the week in Wollonging. Image: Sirotti.

Speaking to journalists after accepting her second Rainbow Jersey, Backstedt said she had actually planned to attack a lot later in the race.

“I planned to with a lap to go,” she said. “I came over the climb the first time and I felt really good,” she said.

“I was climbing at the front which, for, the rider I am, wasn’t predicted.

“I was in tears from a kilometre to go … there were so many people out on the course shouting my name and happy birthday, especially on the climb, that’s where I needed it the most.”

Today’s Coverage Is Presented By Diggies Cafe & Kiosk At 1 Cliff Rd Wollongong – Full details at www.Diggies.com.au