Bäckstedt claims first Flanders title

Welshwoman honours rainbow jersey in style ahead of move into pro ranks, reports Vern Pitt

- Vern Pitt

Zoe Bäckstedt continued her Z Le dominance of the junior women's category with victory at the junior Tour of Flanders on Sunday.

The Welshwoman, resplendent in the rainbow jersey she won on roads not far from the Tour of Flanders hometown of Oudenaarde last autumn, soloed clear of the bunch on the final lap, catching a group from the U17 race that was happening on the same circuit at the same time.

"It was really warm, so hot out. I've had a couple of races where it was sunny so I have adapted to it a bit," said Bäckstedt.

"On the climbs some of the girls were pressing on a fair bit and on the last lap at the bottom of the first climb I got caught in a crash; I didn't come down but I had to chase back on. It wasn't ideal but I knew my legs had been fired into action.

"On the cobbles one of the girls went away and I chased and passed her."

She caught three of the U17 riders, one of which helped with some turns. "I was grateful they did because I was quite tired at that point," she said. Belgian Xaydee Van Sinay (Acrog-Tormans) was second with fellow Brit Niamh Murphy (Liv Halo) third, both a minute back.