Elynor Bäckstedt, the 22-year-old British rider, has signed a three-year contract with UAE Team ADQ, marking a pivotal moment in her career. Bäckstedt, a former junior Gent-Wevelgem winner, has spent the last four years as a dedicated domestique with Lidl-Trek, supporting elite riders like Elisa Longo Borghini. Now, she is looking to make her mark with her new Emirati team.

After joining forces with former teammates Longo Borghini and Brodie Champman, who also transferred to UAE Team ADQ, Bäckstedt expressed her excitement about the opportunity for growth. “I’ve been teammates with Elisa for five years and Brodie for two, and we work really well together. That was a big factor in the move,” she shared.

While her time as a loyal domestique earned her recognition, Bäckstedt has not yet claimed a professional victory. With UAE Team ADQ, she aims to reset her career and pursue her personal goals, including focusing on time trials. “I want to improve my TT, which has been on the backburner. I feel this move will bring out the best in me,” she explained.

Coming from a family steeped in cycling success, with her father Magnus Bäckstedt winning the 2004 Paris-Roubaix and her mother Megan Bäckstedt being a former British national champion, Elynor has set her sights on making her own mark. She is optimistic about taking on new challenges and chasing that elusive first victory.

“Sometimes you just need a new challenge, and this felt like the right time. I want to get stuck in and push for a win next year. I’ve developed a lot but still feel I have more to give,” Bäckstedt added.

As she embarks on this new journey, Bäckstedt is excited to collaborate with her teammates and coaches at UAE Team ADQ, setting fresh goals for herself and looking forward to a promising season ahead.