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Ben Goddard

Zoe Bäckstedt's last-lap bike change gamble backfires in muddy Maasmechelen match against Vas

Zoe Bäckstedt World Cup Blanka Vas Lucinda Brand
Britain's Zoe Bäckstedt competes during the women's elite race at the World Cup cyclocross cycling event stage 9 (out of 12) of the UCI World Cup cyclocross competition, in Dendermonde, on January 5, 2025. (Photo by DAVID PINTENS / Belga / AFP) / Belgium OUT.

Zoe Bäckstedt (Canyon-SRAM zondacrypto) made the decision on the final lap of the Maasmechelen World Cup race on Saturday to take a precautionary bike change following a fall in the muddy conditions. It proved decisive, but for her opponent, Blanka Vas (SD Worx-Protime), who then took control of the race and won a second elite World Cup contest of her career. 

The Team SD Worx-Protime road and cyclocross rider proved practice makes perfect as she chose the right lines through the treacherous course to win her first World Cup round in three seasons, as those around her faltered.

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