Zoe Backstedt, at just 21 years old, stands out in the cycling world as a promising star with a rich family legacy tied to the iconic Paris-Roubaix race. Her father, Magnus Backstedt, claimed victory in the famed Roubaix velodrome in 2004, creating a deep-rooted connection for Zoe and her sister, Elynor, who grew up idolizing his achievements.

Zoe describes her family's bond with the race, stating, "It's in the family to enjoy this race and to have a special connection to it." She aims to match her father's legacy by securing her own cobblestone trophy someday.

Having participated in Paris-Roubaix three times, Backstedt has steadily improved her performance, finishing 46th on her debut, then 16th in 2024, and 15th last year. With a recent fifth-place finish in the Tour of Flanders, she enters the upcoming race with confidence, hoping to break into the top ten.

Her training includes a recent team recon of five cobbled sectors, including the challenging Carrefour de l’Arbre. Zoe highlights the blend of enjoyment and challenge, stating, "It's definitely one of those races that you hate in the moment. And then once you cross the finish line, it's one of the nicest and most rewarding races."

Despite acknowledging the unpredictability of racing, she remains optimistic:

I want to be better than last year. I would love to do a top five like I did on the weekend.