Zoe Bäckstedt (Canyon-SRAM zondacrypto) has powered to a knockout victory in the opening individual time trial of the Vuelta a Extremadura, finishing nearly 20 seconds ahead of her closest rivals.
Fully living up to her current position of defending British National Time Trial Champion, the 21-year-old clinched the 18km stage a notable 17 seconds faster than closest rival Maëva Squiban (UAE Team ADQ). First-year pro Mackenzie Coupland (Liv AlUla Jayco) also impressed with third, 20 seconds back after a long spell in the hot seat as provisional stage leader.
However, both those times were pushed well out of contention by Bäckstedt. One of the very last starters, the young Briton completed the course a whopping 18 seconds faster, simultaneously claiming both her eighth career win and the race’s first overall leader’s jersey in the process.
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