{"id":1867304,"date":"2026-04-05T18:59:18","date_gmt":"2026-04-05T15:59:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1867304"},"modified":"2026-04-05T18:59:18","modified_gmt":"2026-04-05T15:59:18","slug":"cresting-the-koppenberg-with-leaders-gave-me-a-few-goosebumps-zoe-backstedt-impresses-with-fifth-in-tour-of-flanders","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1867304","title":{"rendered":"Cresting the Koppenberg with leaders &#8216;gave me a few goosebumps&#8217; \u2013 Zoe B\u00e4ckstedt impresses with fifth in Tour of Flanders"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cr2RTiBiu8RcetVeVCih9X-1024-80.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nWomen&#8217;s Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTour of Flanders Women\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>Cresting the Koppenberg with leaders &#8216;gave me a few goosebumps&#8217; \u2013 Zoe B\u00e4ckstedt impresses with fifth in Tour of Flanders<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline\">\nNews<\/p>\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\"><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nLukas Kn\u00f6fler <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T18:59:18Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n5 April 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">21-year-old Canyon-SRAM zondacrypto rider returns with top result<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"mx-auto mb-4 flex items-center justify-start mx-0 my-5 p-0\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-700 mb-2 text-[12px] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-gray-700 [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"contentparsed\" id=\"content\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-contentparsed widget-content widget-contentparsed-content widget-content-parsed widget-content-parsed-content_document \">\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<section class=\"content-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"box less-space hero-image-wrapper\">\n<figure class=\"mb-0\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cr2RTiBiu8RcetVeVCih9X-1024-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cr2RTiBiu8RcetVeVCih9X-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cr2RTiBiu8RcetVeVCih9X-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cr2RTiBiu8RcetVeVCih9X-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cr2RTiBiu8RcetVeVCih9X-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cr2RTiBiu8RcetVeVCih9X-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cr2RTiBiu8RcetVeVCih9X-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><figcaption class=\"mt-2\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Zoe Backstedt<\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"!m-0\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 sm:ml-1.5 font-base text-xs\">0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div role=\"dialog\" class=\"hidden fixed inset-0 z-[999999999999999999] bg-[#33333370] flex items-center justify-center p-6 newsletter-modal\" data-batch-endpoint=\"https:\/\/newsletter-subscribe.futureplc.com\/v2\/submission\/submit_batch\" data-batch-source=\"302\" data-component-name=\"Newsletter:Modal\">\n<div class=\"bg-neutral-100 rounded-xl shadow-xl w-full lg:w-2\/3 xl:w-1\/2 p-6 relative max-h-[95vh] overflow-y-auto\">\n<div id=\"newsletter-capture-modal\">\n<div class=\"sm:text-xl text-base font-bold text-black mb-3 p-0 bg-inherit font-ui-heading\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<p class=\"text-gray-600 mb-4 text-sm sm:text-base font-article-copy\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<div data-component-name=\"Newsletter:NewsletterForm\">\n<hr class=\"modal_hr mt-3 mb-4 h-px bg-gray-300 border-0\">\n<div class=\"modal_footer block text-left opacity-80 text-[.8em] leading-[1.3em] mt-2 [&amp;&gt;a]:underline font-article-copy\">\nBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"newsletter-modal-confirmation\" class=\"hidden\">\n<p class=\"sm:text-xl text-base font-bold text-black mb-3 p-0\">You are now subscribed<\/p>\n<p class=\"text-gray-600 mb-4 text-sm sm:text-base\">Your newsletter sign-up was successful<\/p>\n<div id=\"newsletter-modal-confirmation__userlogin\" class=\"hidden\">\n<hr class=\"my-5 h-px bg-gray-300 border-0\">\n<div class=\"items-start flex flex-col h-full justify-between\">\n<div class=\"flcw-text pb-5 pt-2 leading-[1.3]\"> An account already exists for this email address, please log in.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-e2132d67-866f-4257-b205-ef01656c4c45\">In 2022, Zoe Backstedt won the junior women&#8217;s Tour of Flanders. The following year saw her start the elite race for the first time, finishing five minutes down in 56th place. For the last two seasons, she has passed on the Flemish classic to focus on Paris-Roubaix, but lined up again on Sunday and surprised herself with a fifth place \u2013 and with how much fun she had in the race.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;I really didn&#8217;t expect to be in that front group up over those climbs. I wasn&#8217;t quite there after Kwaremont, but to be in that second group with a few Flanders titles to their names in that group [three for Lotte Kopecky, two for Elisa Longo Borghini], I&#8217;m super happy, and I couldn&#8217;t have asked for much more. I had a great day. It was just fun,&#8221; said Backstedt after the race.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-e2132d67-866f-4257-b205-ef01656c4c45-2\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">In the lead-up to the Ronde, Backstedt had won the group sprint for fourth place in Dwars door Vlaanderen, and that result gave her the confidence she needed.<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"article-continues-below block py-2 text-sm\">Article continues below <\/span><\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pb-0 pt-2 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[''] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[''] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 !text-base uppercase sm:text-sm font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rgsBNinvxShtJQJLdgF5TN-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rgsBNinvxShtJQJLdgF5TN-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">With no Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney, Canyon-SRAM look to Zoe B\u00e4ckstedt and Chlo\u00e9 Dygert for Tour of Flanders success<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uGCmcdwpU5fdGF3hGLm4Bi-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uGCmcdwpU5fdGF3hGLm4Bi-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;I really put myself through it&#8217; &#8211; Zoe B\u00e4ckstedt loses the UAE Tour white jersey but impresses on the brutal slopes of Jebel Hafeet<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oNyfaxuSMAD3itxUM2umH4-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oNyfaxuSMAD3itxUM2umH4-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;A challenge and a completely different type of race&#8217; \u2013 Zoe B\u00e4ckstedt ready for elite Cyclo-cross Worlds debut after reduced winter campaign<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;Knowing that I could be there over the climbs with a good feeling, it put me in a good headspace today. I had some help from the girls to position me into the climbs. And going over the Koppenberg, such a hard climb, with the front group, that really gave me a few goosebumps,&#8221; Backstedt explained.<\/p>\n<p>After the climbs, the Welsh woman was part of a chase group of five trying to reel in Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot (Visma-Lease a Bike) and Puck Pieterse (Fenix-Premier Tech), who ended up sprinting for second place behind solo winner Demi Vollering (FDJ United-Suez).<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;It was three from UAE, and me and Lotte. We could have maybe worked better at some points, but we were all dead at that point,&#8221; Backstedt described the run-in to Oudenaarde.<\/p>\n<p>In the sprint, Backstedt came alongside Kopecky on the final metres but just lost out on fourth place. Nevertheless, the result is a boost to her ahead of the highlight of her spring campaign, Paris-Roubaix Femmes \u2013 a race where her father won the men&#8217;s edition in 2004.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-UqdBhWc6VCdVosBBbSfebY\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-UqdBhWc6VCdVosBBbSfebY slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><em><strong>Get unlimited access to our unrivalled 2026 Spring Classics coverage with a Cyclingnews subscription. We&#8217;ll bring you breaking news, reports, and analysis from some of the biggest races on the calendar, including Milan-San Remo, Paris-Roubaix and the Tour of Flanders. <\/strong><\/em><u><em><strong>Find out more.<\/strong><\/em><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-UqdBhWc6VCdVosBBbSfebY\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-UqdBhWc6VCdVosBBbSfebY slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-hydrate=\"true\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">Lukas Kn\u00f6fler<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Lukas\u00a0Kn\u00f6fler started working in cycling communications in 2013 and has seen the inside of the scene from many angles. Having worked as press officer for teams and races and written for several online and print publications, he has been Cyclingnews\u2019 Women\u2019s WorldTour correspondent since 2018.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"mt-6 lg:px-0 relative max-w-[1070px] mx-auto viafoura-twig-component px-4\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class='vfcustom-community-guidelines'&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 !text-lg\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 !text-sm\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"mx-2 my-5 sm:mx-0\">\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-adviser:hybrid\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rgsBNinvxShtJQJLdgF5TN-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rgsBNinvxShtJQJLdgF5TN-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rgsBNinvxShtJQJLdgF5TN-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rgsBNinvxShtJQJLdgF5TN-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rgsBNinvxShtJQJLdgF5TN-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">With no Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney, Canyon-SRAM look to Zoe B\u00e4ckstedt and Chlo\u00e9 Dygert for Tour of Flanders success<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uGCmcdwpU5fdGF3hGLm4Bi-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uGCmcdwpU5fdGF3hGLm4Bi-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uGCmcdwpU5fdGF3hGLm4Bi-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uGCmcdwpU5fdGF3hGLm4Bi-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uGCmcdwpU5fdGF3hGLm4Bi-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I really put myself through it&#8217; &#8211; Zoe B\u00e4ckstedt loses the UAE Tour white jersey but impresses on the brutal slopes of Jebel Hafeet<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oNyfaxuSMAD3itxUM2umH4-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oNyfaxuSMAD3itxUM2umH4-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oNyfaxuSMAD3itxUM2umH4-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oNyfaxuSMAD3itxUM2umH4-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oNyfaxuSMAD3itxUM2umH4-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;A challenge and a completely different type of race&#8217; \u2013 Zoe B\u00e4ckstedt ready for elite Cyclo-cross Worlds debut after reduced winter campaign<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Zg3H59SrqAJ8yUL58dyFQG-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Zg3H59SrqAJ8yUL58dyFQG-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Zg3H59SrqAJ8yUL58dyFQG-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Zg3H59SrqAJ8yUL58dyFQG-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Zg3H59SrqAJ8yUL58dyFQG-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Lotte Kopecky, Demi Vollering and Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot face off in what could be an epic showdown  \u2013 Analysing the Tour of Flanders Women contenders<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HLjg3mBRtkfqrQFpKDiwzj-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HLjg3mBRtkfqrQFpKDiwzj-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HLjg3mBRtkfqrQFpKDiwzj-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HLjg3mBRtkfqrQFpKDiwzj-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HLjg3mBRtkfqrQFpKDiwzj-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It almost went wrong&#8217; \u2013 Despite sprint scare, Lorena Wiebes took one of her most impressive wins yet at In Flanders Fields<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nWjVwHL6JaxuctmPiujKvg-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nWjVwHL6JaxuctmPiujKvg-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nWjVwHL6JaxuctmPiujKvg-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nWjVwHL6JaxuctmPiujKvg-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nWjVwHL6JaxuctmPiujKvg-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s cycling (races)<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I was just not strong enough&#8217; \u2013 Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot bettered by Demi Vollering&#8217;s Kwaremont power to finish second in Tour of Flanders again<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/f3zvCtE6GbvAo5UHRwbBsX-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/f3zvCtE6GbvAo5UHRwbBsX-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/f3zvCtE6GbvAo5UHRwbBsX-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/f3zvCtE6GbvAo5UHRwbBsX-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/f3zvCtE6GbvAo5UHRwbBsX-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;The win was not in our reach today&#8217; \u2013 Loss of Lorena Wiebes on Koppenberg costly for Lotte Kopecky in Tour of Flanders<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nWjVwHL6JaxuctmPiujKvg-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nWjVwHL6JaxuctmPiujKvg-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nWjVwHL6JaxuctmPiujKvg-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nWjVwHL6JaxuctmPiujKvg-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nWjVwHL6JaxuctmPiujKvg-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s cycling (races)<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I was just not strong enough&#8217; \u2013 Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot bettered by Demi Vollering&#8217;s Kwaremont power to finish second in Tour of Flanders again<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yho3cizkbuCvXcv7DuFFGY-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yho3cizkbuCvXcv7DuFFGY-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yho3cizkbuCvXcv7DuFFGY-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yho3cizkbuCvXcv7DuFFGY-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yho3cizkbuCvXcv7DuFFGY-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tour of Flanders Women: Demi Vollering sails to victory after shedding rivals with a solo attack on Oude Kwaremont<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HHPHX8i8rfnTbH9RPda9M5-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HHPHX8i8rfnTbH9RPda9M5-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HHPHX8i8rfnTbH9RPda9M5-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HHPHX8i8rfnTbH9RPda9M5-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HHPHX8i8rfnTbH9RPda9M5-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;A big change to the team&#8217; \u2013 How Franziska Koch became a vital domestique for Demi Vollering and one of the best signings of the season<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/w3FiB6T4ivzDnQn4Mhc586-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/w3FiB6T4ivzDnQn4Mhc586-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/w3FiB6T4ivzDnQn4Mhc586-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/w3FiB6T4ivzDnQn4Mhc586-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/w3FiB6T4ivzDnQn4Mhc586-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Former Tour of Flanders winner Marianne Vos not racing Sunday to direct focus on family after father&#8217;s death<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Vh34BooamCivwXpsDSrfAZ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Vh34BooamCivwXpsDSrfAZ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Vh34BooamCivwXpsDSrfAZ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Vh34BooamCivwXpsDSrfAZ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Vh34BooamCivwXpsDSrfAZ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I can give others some pressure&#8217; \u2013 Why Lorena Wiebes could be the most influential rider on the Tour of Flanders start line<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in News<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/utnWrLQxJesrhoTbomEUBY-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/utnWrLQxJesrhoTbomEUBY-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/utnWrLQxJesrhoTbomEUBY-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/utnWrLQxJesrhoTbomEUBY-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/utnWrLQxJesrhoTbomEUBY-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;The Messi or Ronaldo of cycling&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar remains a cut above at Tour of Flanders despite superstars aligning to challenge him<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/f3zvCtE6GbvAo5UHRwbBsX-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/f3zvCtE6GbvAo5UHRwbBsX-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/f3zvCtE6GbvAo5UHRwbBsX-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/f3zvCtE6GbvAo5UHRwbBsX-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/f3zvCtE6GbvAo5UHRwbBsX-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;The win was not in our reach today&#8217; \u2013 Loss of Lorena Wiebes on Koppenberg costly for Lotte Kopecky in Tour of Flanders<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8uCmxNhfiSJsDMJJQA5V9f-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8uCmxNhfiSJsDMJJQA5V9f-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8uCmxNhfiSJsDMJJQA5V9f-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8uCmxNhfiSJsDMJJQA5V9f-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8uCmxNhfiSJsDMJJQA5V9f-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I was riding 650 watts and still couldn&#8217;t follow&#8217; \u2013 Mathieu van der Poel cracks to finish second again behind &#8216;unbeatable&#8217; Tadej Poga\u010dar in Tour of Flanders<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SJ3h4zAQURHGko72eHPuei-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SJ3h4zAQURHGko72eHPuei-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SJ3h4zAQURHGko72eHPuei-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SJ3h4zAQURHGko72eHPuei-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SJ3h4zAQURHGko72eHPuei-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Rules<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Riders who ran level crossing red light during men&#8217;s Tour of Flanders could face fines and short driving bans, says Flemish prosecutor<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pXzA3ycmk4ezhoaj3JThwd-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pXzA3ycmk4ezhoaj3JThwd-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pXzA3ycmk4ezhoaj3JThwd-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pXzA3ycmk4ezhoaj3JThwd-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pXzA3ycmk4ezhoaj3JThwd-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Tadej didn&#8217;t want to let me come back&#8217;  \u2013 Remco Evenepoel bullish on cobbled Classics after taking third in his Tour of Flanders debut<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nWjVwHL6JaxuctmPiujKvg-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nWjVwHL6JaxuctmPiujKvg-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nWjVwHL6JaxuctmPiujKvg-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nWjVwHL6JaxuctmPiujKvg-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nWjVwHL6JaxuctmPiujKvg-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s cycling (races)<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I was just not strong enough&#8217; \u2013 Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot bettered by Demi Vollering&#8217;s Kwaremont power to finish second in Tour of Flanders again<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"widgetArea17\" class=\"widget-area md:basis-1\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-1-3 page-widget-area-17\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"dynamic\" id=\"popular-data\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-dynamic widget-popular-data widget-dynamic-popular-data widget-dynamic-fter-popular-box\">\n<div class=\"wdn-fte-pb pos-relative space-t20\n\"><\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-popularBox\" class=\"slice-container popular-box-slice popularBox slice-container-popularBox\">\n<section data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"popular-box\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label__tab popular-box__label__tab--active\" role=\"heading\">LATEST ARTICLES<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<ol class=\"popular-box__articles-list popular-box__articles-list--active\">\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__image-wrapper\">\n<div><source class=\"popular-box__article-list__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/utnWrLQxJesrhoTbomEUBY-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/utnWrLQxJesrhoTbomEUBY-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/utnWrLQxJesrhoTbomEUBY-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/utnWrLQxJesrhoTbomEUBY-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/utnWrLQxJesrhoTbomEUBY.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/utnWrLQxJesrhoTbomEUBY.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/utnWrLQxJesrhoTbomEUBY.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">1<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;The Messi or Ronaldo of cycling&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar remains a cut above at Tour of Flanders despite superstars aligning to challenge him<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">2<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;The win was not in our reach today&#8217; \u2013 Loss of Lorena Wiebes on Koppenberg costly for Lotte Kopecky in Tour of Flanders<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">3<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Cresting the Koppenberg with leaders &#8216;gave me a few goosebumps&#8217; \u2013 Zoe B\u00e4ckstedt impresses with fifth in Tour of Flanders<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">4<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Riders who ran level crossing red light during men&#8217;s Tour of Flanders could face fines and short driving bans, says Flemish prosecutor<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">5<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;I was riding 650 watts and still couldn&#8217;t follow&#8217; \u2013 Mathieu van der Poel cracks to finish second again behind &#8216;unbeatable&#8217; Tadej Poga\u010dar in Tour of Flanders<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nWomen&#8217;s Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTour of Flanders Women\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>Cresting the Koppenberg with leaders &#8216;gave me a few goosebumps&#8217; \u2013 Zoe B\u00e4ckstedt impresses with fifth in Tour of Flanders<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline\">\nNews<\/p>\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\"><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nLukas Kn\u00f6fler <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T18:59:18Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n5 April 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">21-year-old Canyon-SRAM zondacrypto rider returns with top result<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"mx-auto mb-4 flex items-center justify-start mx-0 my-5 p-0\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-700 mb-2 text-[12px] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-gray-700 [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"contentparsed\" id=\"content\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-contentparsed widget-content widget-contentparsed-content widget-content-parsed widget-content-parsed-content_document \">\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<section class=\"content-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"box less-space hero-image-wrapper\">\n<figure class=\"mb-0\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cr2RTiBiu8RcetVeVCih9X-1024-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cr2RTiBiu8RcetVeVCih9X-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cr2RTiBiu8RcetVeVCih9X-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cr2RTiBiu8RcetVeVCih9X-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cr2RTiBiu8RcetVeVCih9X-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cr2RTiBiu8RcetVeVCih9X-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cr2RTiBiu8RcetVeVCih9X-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><figcaption class=\"mt-2\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Zoe Backstedt<\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"!m-0\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 sm:ml-1.5 font-base text-xs\">0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div role=\"dialog\" class=\"hidden fixed inset-0 z-[999999999999999999] bg-[#33333370] flex items-center justify-center p-6 newsletter-modal\" data-batch-endpoint=\"https:\/\/newsletter-subscribe.futureplc.com\/v2\/submission\/submit_batch\" data-batch-source=\"302\" data-component-name=\"Newsletter:Modal\">\n<div class=\"bg-neutral-100 rounded-xl shadow-xl w-full lg:w-2\/3 xl:w-1\/2 p-6 relative max-h-[95vh] overflow-y-auto\">\n<div id=\"newsletter-capture-modal\">\n<div class=\"sm:text-xl text-base font-bold text-black mb-3 p-0 bg-inherit font-ui-heading\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<p class=\"text-gray-600 mb-4 text-sm sm:text-base font-article-copy\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<div data-component-name=\"Newsletter:NewsletterForm\">\n<hr class=\"modal_hr mt-3 mb-4 h-px bg-gray-300 border-0\">\n<div class=\"modal_footer block text-left opacity-80 text-[.8em] leading-[1.3em] mt-2 [&amp;&gt;a]:underline font-article-copy\">\nBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"newsletter-modal-confirmation\" class=\"hidden\">\n<p class=\"sm:text-xl text-base font-bold text-black mb-3 p-0\">You are now subscribed<\/p>\n<p class=\"text-gray-600 mb-4 text-sm sm:text-base\">Your newsletter sign-up was successful<\/p>\n<div id=\"newsletter-modal-confirmation__userlogin\" class=\"hidden\">\n<hr class=\"my-5 h-px bg-gray-300 border-0\">\n<div class=\"items-start flex flex-col h-full justify-between\">\n<div class=\"flcw-text pb-5 pt-2 leading-[1.3]\"> An account already exists for this email address, please log in.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-e2132d67-866f-4257-b205-ef01656c4c45\">In 2022, Zoe Backstedt won the junior women&#8217;s Tour of Flanders. The following year saw her start the elite race for the first time, finishing five minutes down in 56th place. For the last two seasons, she has passed on the Flemish classic to focus on Paris-Roubaix, but lined up again on Sunday and surprised herself with a fifth place \u2013 and with how much fun she had in the race.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;I really didn&#8217;t expect to be in that front group up over those climbs. I wasn&#8217;t quite there after Kwaremont, but to be in that second group with a few Flanders titles to their names in that group [three for Lotte Kopecky, two for Elisa Longo Borghini], I&#8217;m super happy, and I couldn&#8217;t have asked for much more. I had a great day. It was just fun,&#8221; said Backstedt after the race.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-e2132d67-866f-4257-b205-ef01656c4c45-2\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">In the lead-up to the Ronde, Backstedt had won the group sprint for fourth place in Dwars door Vlaanderen, and that result gave her the confidence she needed.<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"article-continues-below block py-2 text-sm\">Article continues below <\/span><\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pb-0 pt-2 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[''] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[''] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 !text-base uppercase sm:text-sm font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rgsBNinvxShtJQJLdgF5TN-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rgsBNinvxShtJQJLdgF5TN-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">With no Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney, Canyon-SRAM look to Zoe B\u00e4ckstedt and Chlo\u00e9 Dygert for Tour of Flanders success<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uGCmcdwpU5fdGF3hGLm4Bi-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uGCmcdwpU5fdGF3hGLm4Bi-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;I really put myself through it&#8217; &#8211; Zoe B\u00e4ckstedt loses the UAE Tour white jersey but impresses on the brutal slopes of Jebel Hafeet<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oNyfaxuSMAD3itxUM2umH4-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oNyfaxuSMAD3itxUM2umH4-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;A challenge and a completely different type of race&#8217; \u2013 Zoe B\u00e4ckstedt ready for elite Cyclo-cross Worlds debut after reduced winter campaign<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;Knowing that I could be there over the climbs with a good feeling, it put me in a good headspace today. I had some help from the girls to position me into the climbs. And going over the Koppenberg, such a hard climb, with the front group, that really gave me a few goosebumps,&#8221; Backstedt explained.<\/p>\n<p>After the climbs, the Welsh woman was part of a chase group of five trying to reel in Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot (Visma-Lease a Bike) and Puck Pieterse (Fenix-Premier Tech), who ended up sprinting for second place behind solo winner Demi Vollering (FDJ United-Suez).<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;It was three from UAE, and me and Lotte. We could have maybe worked better at some points, but we were all dead at that point,&#8221; Backstedt described the run-in to Oudenaarde.<\/p>\n<p>In the sprint, Backstedt came alongside Kopecky on the final metres but just lost out on fourth place. Nevertheless, the result is a boost to her ahead of the highlight of her spring campaign, Paris-Roubaix Femmes \u2013 a race where her father won the men&#8217;s edition in 2004.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-UqdBhWc6VCdVosBBbSfebY\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-UqdBhWc6VCdVosBBbSfebY slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><em><strong>Get unlimited access to our unrivalled 2026 Spring Classics coverage with a Cyclingnews subscription. We&#8217;ll bring you breaking news, reports, and analysis from some of the biggest races on the calendar, including Milan-San Remo, Paris-Roubaix and the Tour of Flanders. <\/strong><\/em><u><em><strong>Find out more.<\/strong><\/em><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-UqdBhWc6VCdVosBBbSfebY\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-UqdBhWc6VCdVosBBbSfebY slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-hydrate=\"true\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">Lukas Kn\u00f6fler<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Lukas\u00a0Kn\u00f6fler started working in cycling communications in 2013 and has seen the inside of the scene from many angles. Having worked as press officer for teams and races and written for several online and print publications, he has been Cyclingnews\u2019 Women\u2019s WorldTour correspondent since 2018.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"mt-6 lg:px-0 relative max-w-[1070px] mx-auto viafoura-twig-component px-4\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class='vfcustom-community-guidelines'&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 !text-lg\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 !text-sm\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"mx-2 my-5 sm:mx-0\">\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-adviser:hybrid\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rgsBNinvxShtJQJLdgF5TN-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rgsBNinvxShtJQJLdgF5TN-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rgsBNinvxShtJQJLdgF5TN-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rgsBNinvxShtJQJLdgF5TN-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rgsBNinvxShtJQJLdgF5TN-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">With no Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney, Canyon-SRAM look to Zoe B\u00e4ckstedt and Chlo\u00e9 Dygert for Tour of Flanders success<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uGCmcdwpU5fdGF3hGLm4Bi-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uGCmcdwpU5fdGF3hGLm4Bi-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uGCmcdwpU5fdGF3hGLm4Bi-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uGCmcdwpU5fdGF3hGLm4Bi-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uGCmcdwpU5fdGF3hGLm4Bi-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I really put myself through it&#8217; &#8211; Zoe B\u00e4ckstedt loses the UAE Tour white jersey but impresses on the brutal slopes of Jebel Hafeet<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oNyfaxuSMAD3itxUM2umH4-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oNyfaxuSMAD3itxUM2umH4-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oNyfaxuSMAD3itxUM2umH4-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oNyfaxuSMAD3itxUM2umH4-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oNyfaxuSMAD3itxUM2umH4-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;A challenge and a completely different type of race&#8217; \u2013 Zoe B\u00e4ckstedt ready for elite Cyclo-cross Worlds debut after reduced winter campaign<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Zg3H59SrqAJ8yUL58dyFQG-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Zg3H59SrqAJ8yUL58dyFQG-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Zg3H59SrqAJ8yUL58dyFQG-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Zg3H59SrqAJ8yUL58dyFQG-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Zg3H59SrqAJ8yUL58dyFQG-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Lotte Kopecky, Demi Vollering and Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot face off in what could be an epic showdown  \u2013 Analysing the Tour of Flanders Women contenders<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HLjg3mBRtkfqrQFpKDiwzj-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HLjg3mBRtkfqrQFpKDiwzj-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HLjg3mBRtkfqrQFpKDiwzj-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HLjg3mBRtkfqrQFpKDiwzj-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HLjg3mBRtkfqrQFpKDiwzj-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It almost went wrong&#8217; \u2013 Despite sprint scare, Lorena Wiebes took one of her most impressive wins yet at In Flanders Fields<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nWjVwHL6JaxuctmPiujKvg-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nWjVwHL6JaxuctmPiujKvg-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nWjVwHL6JaxuctmPiujKvg-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nWjVwHL6JaxuctmPiujKvg-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nWjVwHL6JaxuctmPiujKvg-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s cycling (races)<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I was just not strong enough&#8217; \u2013 Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot bettered by Demi Vollering&#8217;s Kwaremont power to finish second in Tour of Flanders again<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/f3zvCtE6GbvAo5UHRwbBsX-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/f3zvCtE6GbvAo5UHRwbBsX-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/f3zvCtE6GbvAo5UHRwbBsX-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/f3zvCtE6GbvAo5UHRwbBsX-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/f3zvCtE6GbvAo5UHRwbBsX-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;The win was not in our reach today&#8217; \u2013 Loss of Lorena Wiebes on Koppenberg costly for Lotte Kopecky in Tour of Flanders<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nWjVwHL6JaxuctmPiujKvg-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nWjVwHL6JaxuctmPiujKvg-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nWjVwHL6JaxuctmPiujKvg-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nWjVwHL6JaxuctmPiujKvg-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nWjVwHL6JaxuctmPiujKvg-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s cycling (races)<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I was just not strong enough&#8217; \u2013 Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot bettered by Demi Vollering&#8217;s Kwaremont power to finish second in Tour of Flanders again<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yho3cizkbuCvXcv7DuFFGY-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yho3cizkbuCvXcv7DuFFGY-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yho3cizkbuCvXcv7DuFFGY-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yho3cizkbuCvXcv7DuFFGY-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yho3cizkbuCvXcv7DuFFGY-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tour of Flanders Women: Demi Vollering sails to victory after shedding rivals with a solo attack on Oude Kwaremont<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HHPHX8i8rfnTbH9RPda9M5-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HHPHX8i8rfnTbH9RPda9M5-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HHPHX8i8rfnTbH9RPda9M5-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HHPHX8i8rfnTbH9RPda9M5-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HHPHX8i8rfnTbH9RPda9M5-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;A big change to the team&#8217; \u2013 How Franziska Koch became a vital domestique for Demi Vollering and one of the best signings of the season<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/w3FiB6T4ivzDnQn4Mhc586-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/w3FiB6T4ivzDnQn4Mhc586-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/w3FiB6T4ivzDnQn4Mhc586-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/w3FiB6T4ivzDnQn4Mhc586-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/w3FiB6T4ivzDnQn4Mhc586-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Former Tour of Flanders winner Marianne Vos not racing Sunday to direct focus on family after father&#8217;s death<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Vh34BooamCivwXpsDSrfAZ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Vh34BooamCivwXpsDSrfAZ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Vh34BooamCivwXpsDSrfAZ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Vh34BooamCivwXpsDSrfAZ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Vh34BooamCivwXpsDSrfAZ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I can give others some pressure&#8217; \u2013 Why Lorena Wiebes could be the most influential rider on the Tour of Flanders start line<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in News<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/utnWrLQxJesrhoTbomEUBY-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/utnWrLQxJesrhoTbomEUBY-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/utnWrLQxJesrhoTbomEUBY-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/utnWrLQxJesrhoTbomEUBY-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/utnWrLQxJesrhoTbomEUBY-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;The Messi or Ronaldo of cycling&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar remains a cut above at Tour of Flanders despite superstars aligning to challenge him<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/f3zvCtE6GbvAo5UHRwbBsX-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/f3zvCtE6GbvAo5UHRwbBsX-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/f3zvCtE6GbvAo5UHRwbBsX-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/f3zvCtE6GbvAo5UHRwbBsX-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/f3zvCtE6GbvAo5UHRwbBsX-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;The win was not in our reach today&#8217; \u2013 Loss of Lorena Wiebes on Koppenberg costly for Lotte Kopecky in Tour of Flanders<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8uCmxNhfiSJsDMJJQA5V9f-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8uCmxNhfiSJsDMJJQA5V9f-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8uCmxNhfiSJsDMJJQA5V9f-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8uCmxNhfiSJsDMJJQA5V9f-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8uCmxNhfiSJsDMJJQA5V9f-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I was riding 650 watts and still couldn&#8217;t follow&#8217; \u2013 Mathieu van der Poel cracks to finish second again behind &#8216;unbeatable&#8217; Tadej Poga\u010dar in Tour of Flanders<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SJ3h4zAQURHGko72eHPuei-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SJ3h4zAQURHGko72eHPuei-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SJ3h4zAQURHGko72eHPuei-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SJ3h4zAQURHGko72eHPuei-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SJ3h4zAQURHGko72eHPuei-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Rules<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Riders who ran level crossing red light during men&#8217;s Tour of Flanders could face fines and short driving bans, says Flemish prosecutor<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pXzA3ycmk4ezhoaj3JThwd-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pXzA3ycmk4ezhoaj3JThwd-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pXzA3ycmk4ezhoaj3JThwd-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pXzA3ycmk4ezhoaj3JThwd-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pXzA3ycmk4ezhoaj3JThwd-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Tadej didn&#8217;t want to let me come back&#8217;  \u2013 Remco Evenepoel bullish on cobbled Classics after taking third in his Tour of Flanders debut<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nWjVwHL6JaxuctmPiujKvg-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nWjVwHL6JaxuctmPiujKvg-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nWjVwHL6JaxuctmPiujKvg-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nWjVwHL6JaxuctmPiujKvg-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nWjVwHL6JaxuctmPiujKvg-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s cycling (races)<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I was just not strong enough&#8217; \u2013 Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot bettered by Demi Vollering&#8217;s Kwaremont power to finish second in Tour of Flanders again<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"widgetArea17\" class=\"widget-area md:basis-1\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-1-3 page-widget-area-17\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"dynamic\" id=\"popular-data\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-dynamic widget-popular-data widget-dynamic-popular-data widget-dynamic-fter-popular-box\">\n<div class=\"wdn-fte-pb pos-relative space-t20\n\"><\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-popularBox\" class=\"slice-container popular-box-slice popularBox slice-container-popularBox\">\n<section data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"popular-box\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label__tab popular-box__label__tab--active\" role=\"heading\">LATEST ARTICLES<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<ol class=\"popular-box__articles-list popular-box__articles-list--active\">\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__image-wrapper\">\n<div><source class=\"popular-box__article-list__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/utnWrLQxJesrhoTbomEUBY-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/utnWrLQxJesrhoTbomEUBY-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/utnWrLQxJesrhoTbomEUBY-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/utnWrLQxJesrhoTbomEUBY-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/utnWrLQxJesrhoTbomEUBY.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/utnWrLQxJesrhoTbomEUBY.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/utnWrLQxJesrhoTbomEUBY.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">1<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;The Messi or Ronaldo of cycling&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar remains a cut above at Tour of Flanders despite superstars aligning to challenge him<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">2<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;The win was not in our reach today&#8217; \u2013 Loss of Lorena Wiebes on Koppenberg costly for Lotte Kopecky in Tour of Flanders<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">3<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Cresting the Koppenberg with leaders &#8216;gave me a few goosebumps&#8217; \u2013 Zoe B\u00e4ckstedt impresses with fifth in Tour of Flanders<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">4<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Riders who ran level crossing red light during men&#8217;s Tour of Flanders could face fines and short driving bans, says Flemish prosecutor<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">5<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;I was riding 650 watts and still couldn&#8217;t follow&#8217; \u2013 Mathieu van der Poel cracks to finish second again behind &#8216;unbeatable&#8217; Tadej Poga\u010dar in Tour of Flanders<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nWomen&#8217;s Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTour of Flanders Women\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>Cresting the Koppenberg with leaders &#8216;gave me a few goosebumps&#8217; \u2013 Zoe B\u00e4ckstedt impresses with fifth in Tour of Flanders<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline\">\nNews<\/p>\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\"><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nLukas Kn\u00f6fler <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-04-05T18:59:18Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n5 April 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">21-year-old Canyon-SRAM zondacrypto rider returns with top result<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"mx-auto mb-4 flex items-center justify-start mx-0 my-5 p-0\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-700 mb-2 text-[12px] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-gray-700 [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. 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The following year saw her start the elite race for the first time, finishing five minutes down in 56th place. For the last two seasons, she has passed on the Flemish classic to focus on Paris-Roubaix, but lined up again on Sunday and surprised herself with a fifth place \u2013 and with how much fun she had in the race.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;I really didn&#8217;t expect to be in that front group up over those climbs. I wasn&#8217;t quite there after Kwaremont, but to be in that second group with a few Flanders titles to their names in that group [three for Lotte Kopecky, two for Elisa Longo Borghini], I&#8217;m super happy, and I couldn&#8217;t have asked for much more. I had a great day. It was just fun,&#8221; said Backstedt after the race.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-e2132d67-866f-4257-b205-ef01656c4c45-2\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">In the lead-up to the Ronde, Backstedt had won the group sprint for fourth place in Dwars door Vlaanderen, and that result gave her the confidence she needed.<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"article-continues-below block py-2 text-sm\">Article continues below <\/span><\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pb-0 pt-2 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[''] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[''] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 !text-base uppercase sm:text-sm font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rgsBNinvxShtJQJLdgF5TN-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rgsBNinvxShtJQJLdgF5TN-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">With no Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney, Canyon-SRAM look to Zoe B\u00e4ckstedt and Chlo\u00e9 Dygert for Tour of Flanders success<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uGCmcdwpU5fdGF3hGLm4Bi-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uGCmcdwpU5fdGF3hGLm4Bi-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;I really put myself through it&#8217; &#8211; Zoe B\u00e4ckstedt loses the UAE Tour white jersey but impresses on the brutal slopes of Jebel Hafeet<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oNyfaxuSMAD3itxUM2umH4-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/oNyfaxuSMAD3itxUM2umH4-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;A challenge and a completely different type of race&#8217; \u2013 Zoe B\u00e4ckstedt ready for elite Cyclo-cross Worlds debut after reduced winter campaign<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;Knowing that I could be there over the climbs with a good feeling, it put me in a good headspace today. I had some help from the girls to position me into the climbs. And going over the Koppenberg, such a hard climb, with the front group, that really gave me a few goosebumps,&#8221; Backstedt explained.<\/p>\n<p>After the climbs, the Welsh woman was part of a chase group of five trying to reel in Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot (Visma-Lease a Bike) and Puck Pieterse (Fenix-Premier Tech), who ended up sprinting for second place behind solo winner Demi Vollering (FDJ United-Suez).<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;It was three from UAE, and me and Lotte. We could have maybe worked better at some points, but we were all dead at that point,&#8221; Backstedt described the run-in to Oudenaarde.<\/p>\n<p>In the sprint, Backstedt came alongside Kopecky on the final metres but just lost out on fourth place. Nevertheless, the result is a boost to her ahead of the highlight of her spring campaign, Paris-Roubaix Femmes \u2013 a race where her father won the men&#8217;s edition in 2004.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-UqdBhWc6VCdVosBBbSfebY\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-UqdBhWc6VCdVosBBbSfebY slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><em><strong>Get unlimited access to our unrivalled 2026 Spring Classics coverage with a Cyclingnews subscription. We&#8217;ll bring you breaking news, reports, and analysis from some of the biggest races on the calendar, including Milan-San Remo, Paris-Roubaix and the Tour of Flanders. <\/strong><\/em><u><em><strong>Find out more.<\/strong><\/em><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/womens-cycling\/cresting-the-koppenberg-with-leaders-gave-me-a-few-goosebumps-zoe-backstedt-impresses-with-fifth-in-tour-of-flanders\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cr2RTiBiu8RcetVeVCih9X-1024-80.jpg&#8221;] Pro Cycling Racing Women&#8217;s Cycling Road Tour of Flanders Women Cresting the Koppenberg with leaders &#8216;gave me a few goosebumps&#8217; \u2013 Zoe B\u00e4ckstedt impresses with fifth in Tour of Flanders News By Lukas Kn\u00f6fler published 5 April 2026 21-year-old Canyon-SRAM zondacrypto rider returns with top result When you purchase through links on [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[226,68],"class_list":["post-1867304","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-politics","tag-crawlmanager","tag-cyclingnews-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1867304","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1867304"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1867304\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1867304"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1867304"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1867304"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}