Zoe Bäckstedt's journey on the UAE Tour left an indelible mark, showcasing her resilience and talent. Despite losing the coveted white jersey for the best Under 23 rider on the final day, her performance on the Jebel Hafeet climb was nothing short of remarkable.
The Mountain Challenge
Zoe, riding for Canyon-SRAM-zondacrypto, had been a consistent force since the start of the UAE Tour Women. She claimed third place on stage 1 in Madinat Zayed, donning the white jersey with pride. However, the race's final test on the steep slopes of Jebel Hafeet presented a different challenge.
Her ride up the mountain was a testament to her climbing prowess. She outlasted many of the sprinters and even some seasoned climbers. Yet, the goal of maintaining her lead in the young rider classification eluded her, leaving a hint of disappointment.
"I wanted to push my limits and see if I could hold onto the white jersey," Zoe shared after a post-race debrief with teammates Kasia Niewiadoma and Neve Bradbury. "There was this incredible climber, an Under-23 rider, who was just too good for me today. But attempting a climb like this, a 10km ascent in scorching 30°C heat, is not my usual forte. I excel in stages like the first, not today's terrain. Still, I must say, it was a rewarding experience."
The Brutal Climb
"It was an intense battle," Zoe described. "The start was relatively easy, but as we reached the base of the climb, it was full throttle. The climb itself was brutal, with a few attempts to break away, but the wind wasn't strong enough to create a significant gap."
Despite the loss of the white jersey, Zoe's performance was a highlight for the team. Canyon-SRAM secured the team classification, with Niewiadoma, Bäckstedt, and Bradbury all finishing strongly within the top 30 of the general classification.
And here's where it gets controversial... Should Zoe have focused solely on maintaining her lead in the young rider classification, or was her attempt to challenge the climbers a strategic move to gain experience? What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
