Bäckstedt claims another podium in Dublin

Welshwoman can't match Lucinda Brand's solo effort

- Vern Pitt, Snowdon Sports

Zoe Bäckstedt claimed her second elite World Cup podium spot in three weekends on Sunday.

The Canyon-SR AM rider was third in the elite women’s race, under a minute down on winner Lucinda Brand (Baloise Trek Lions).

Bäckstedt, who still leads the under-23 competition, swiftly slotted into third place on the course after a strong start from the front row and held off a challenge from fourth-place finisher Marie Schreiber (SD Worx) in the closing stages. Overall World Cup leader Ceylin Alvarado (Alpecin-Deceuninick) finished second.

Bäckstedt said: “I feel like I managed the course pretty well. It changed completely from recon to the race due to the rain but I had that in mind already before we arrived at the course on race day. I made the decision on tyres while I was on the rollers warming up and I’m happy I did so.

“I’m really happy with how I paced the race. The last lap-and-a-half was a little stressful with the Luxembourg rider coming back a little bit to me but I think overall I managed it pretty well. The gaps were small but I didn’t really realise that until a lap to go.”

The Bäckstedt family was in full attendance with Zoe’s mum, grandparents and coach all over in Dublin at the weekend. “It was incredible racing in front of so many of my family,” Bäckstedt said.