Future Stars On Show In Yorkshire

The World Championships always showcases the best upcoming talent. We pick out four youngsters who stood out and look likely to make a name for themselves at elite level

- Peter Cossins

ELYNOR BACKSTEDT

Age 18 Nation GBr

Worlds result 3 rd T T, 5th road race

Current team Storey Racing

2020 team Trek-Segafredo

Third, in the junior women’s time trial and fifth in the road race, Britain’s Elynor Backstedt had been cagey on her plans for the coming season during the championships. But, no sooner had she finished speaking to the press after that fifth-place finish, Trek-Segafredo announced that the 18-year-old rider would be joining them on a three-year contract. “I am looking forward to working with Elynor and helping her make the transition into the elite ranks. She is known for both her mental and physical strength, which will help her make the big step up from junior,” said Trek-Segafredo coach Ina Teutenberg.

Speaking to Cycling Weekly a couple of days beforehand, Backstedt’s father and some-time coach, Magnus Backstedt revealed he was staying out of the negotiations on his daughter’s future. “The decision is very much down to her, but she’s got to work out how best to combine her objectives on the road and on the track,” he said. Trek, it would appear, will give her the opportunity to do exactly that.

One thing that former Paris-Roubaix winner Magnus Backstedt was certain of was the impressive way in which Elynor had handled the pressure of being labeled the favorite for the time trial in her home country. “She came in as the top favorite, as the rider leading the home challenge and she had to deal with that pressure. I was really impressed with the way that she managed to do that,” he said of her bronze medal ride. “I think that she did one of her best rides given that pressure; it’s hard to cope with that kind of attention. She’s been very consistent right through this season and that’s been very pleasing to see.”