
Zoe Bäckstedt (Canyon-SRAM zondacrypto) has powered to a knockout victory in the opening individual time trial of the Vuelta a Extremadura, her first win of the 2026 season.
Fully living up to her current position of defending British National Time Trial Champion, the 21-year-old clinched the victory on the rain-soaked 18-kilometre stage with a notable 12-second advantage over her closest rival, former Australian National TT Champion Brodie Chapman (UAE Team ADQ) and of 17 seconds over Chapman's trade teammate Maëva Squiban.
First-year pro Mackenzie Coupland (Liv AlUla Jayco) also impressed with fourth, 20 seconds back after a long spell in the hot seat as provisional stage leader.