Backstedt wins silver in women's time trial at World Championships

Britain’s 21‑year‑old Zoe Backstedt secured the silver medal in the women’s time trial at the UCI World Road Championships held in Montreal, finishing behind Switzerland’s Marlen Reusser who took gold. Backstedt completed the 20‑kilometre course in 28 minutes and 12 seconds, a pace that placed her second overall among a field of elite international competitors.

The championship, organized by the Union Cycliste Internationale, drew riders from over 50 nations and featured a challenging route that tested both speed and endurance. Reusser’s winning time of 27 minutes and 58 seconds set a new championship record, while Backstedt’s performance marked a significant achievement for British cycling, adding to the country’s growing presence on the world stage.

Backstedt’s silver medal underscores the depth of talent in Britain’s women's road racing squad and suggests a promising trajectory for future international events, including the upcoming Olympic Games. The result also highlights the competitive nature of the World Championships, where margins between podium positions are often measured in mere seconds.