Zoe Backstedt is set to make her debut at the 2026 Tour de France Femmes, having been officially named to the Canyon-SRAM team roster for the event. The 21-year-old Welsh cyclist will ride in support of Katarzyna Niewiadoma-Phinney, the reigning 2024 champion who aims to secure her second title.
The upcoming race is scheduled to take place from August 1 to 9, with the Grand Depart launching in Lausanne, Switzerland. This selection marks a significant milestone in Backstedt’s career, highlighting her rapid progress within the professional cycling ranks.
How Zoe Backstedt Earned a Date with the 2026 Tour de France
Backstedt’s inclusion in the Tour de France Femmes squad comes on the heels of an impressive run of performances throughout the season. In June, she claimed both the British road race and time trial championships, establishing her dominance on home soil. Not long after, she secured a sprint stage victory at the Tour de Suisse Femmes, followed by a successful defense of her title at the Baloise Ladies Tour, a race where she initially made history as the youngest-ever winner.
Cycling runs deep in the Backstedt family. Her father, Magnus Backstedt, famously won a stage during his debut in the 1998 Tour de France and completed the event seven times over his career. Meanwhile, her sister Elynor Backstedt competes professionally with UAE Team ADQ, and their mother, Meg Backstedt, is a former British road race champion.
Reflecting on her path into the sport, Backstedt remarked, “Everything just led towards cycling. And in the end, I’m so happy that I pursued it.” This sentiment underscores the strong family legacy and personal dedication that have shaped her journey to the world’s most prestigious women’s cycling race.