Zoe Bäckstedt on the TDFF: ‘It’s definitely the hardest of all the races’ - Domestique Hotseat Podcast
Zoe Bäckstedt has her first Tour de France Femmes behind her, and in this episode of the Domestique Hotseat she takes Aidan Burgess inside nine days of heat, climbing and racing she describes as the hardest she has ever experienced.
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The 21-year-old explains her “bodyguard duties” for Kasia Niewiadoma and the final stage effort that pushed her 20 minute power 20 watts above her previous best. At one point she told the team, “I’m done, I’m done. I can’t, I can’t go anymore,” only to keep pushing as riders began dropping behind.
Bäckstedt also reflects on finishing fourth in the individual time trial, a result that initially left her disappointed because of the high expectations she places on herself.
There is plenty on life inside the peloton too, from racing in 35 degree heat and constantly collecting bottles and ice to sprinting above 1,100 watts and the fear that comes with chaotic finishes.
She also discusses Niewiadoma’s leadership, Lorena Wiebes, the UCI’s clothing checks and how the Tour de France Femmes could develop. Bäckstedt would welcome a longer race, but believes it needs an easier sprint stage and, if it reaches 12 days or two weeks, a rest day.
The conversation also covers racing in Britain, her hopes of one day racing a Tour stage on the Welsh roads where she grew up, and how the menstrual cycle can influence racing, training and fuelling.
Would she do the Tour again?
“Definitely. It was great fun.”
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