Welsh rider Zoe Backstedt has successfully retained the 2026 Baloise Ladies Tour title, marking a significant achievement just a year after becoming the youngest winner of this prestigious race.

The 21-year-old showcased her exceptional talent with a standout performance that included a time trial victory on stage 3A this past Saturday. Backstedt concluded the tour with a provisional overall time of 11 hours, 27.08 minutes, solidifying her dominance in the competition.

The battle for the podium was fierce, with only one second separating Nienke Veenhoven from the Netherlands, who clinched the final stage, and Felicity Wilson-Haffenden from Australia. They finished 22 and 23 seconds respectively behind Backstedt, highlighting the competitive nature of the event.

In addition, Millie Couzens from England finished fifth, trailing behind the Netherlands' Charlotte Kool.

Backstedt's impressive retention of the title not only underscores her remarkable skills but also positions her as a formidable force in women's cycling.