Zoe Backstedt, the 21-year-old cyclist from Great Britain, prepares for her first Tour de France selection with a mix of excitement and nerves. Describing the moment she received the call, she humorously reflects, "When you get the phone call to say that you've been selected, it's like, OK, don't scream. You can scream after you've put the phone down."

Backstedt enters the Tour with confidence after a stellar first half of the season, which includes:

• Defending her title at the Baloise Ladies Tour
• Securing top-five finishes at both Dwars door Vlaanderen and Tour of Flanders
• Winning the British national road and time-trial crowns

Despite her success, she admits to feeling apprehensive about jinxing her selection, stressing her commitment to giving 110% in every time trial. With remarkable performances in individual time trials and her status as the current under-23 world champion, she stands as a favorite for a stage win in the Tour's time trial on stage four.

Handling the pressure, Backstedt notes, "I'm still young. I've still got years to prove myself as well... a top 10, a top five, top three, even a win, all of those I think I can still be grateful for."

The challenging parcours includes a 21km time trial featuring a steep climb and a descent towards Dijon. Backstedt's confidence in her abilities is evident as she prepares for the course, despite a tough initial recon ride after Paris-Roubaix.

Competing with a strong Canyon-SRAM team, including former champion Kasia Niewiadoma, Backstedt is ready to play multiple roles, from targeting time trial success to supporting her teammates. She aims to bring positive energy to the team, driven by her recent successes, and hopes to inspire young girls watching the race.

Reflecting on her rapid rise in the sport, she acknowledges the evolution of women's cycling and expresses hope for future generations, stating, "I hope that they all now think, I can do that one day." The excitement builds as she gears up for this monumental event in her career.