Zoe Bäckstedt and her father, Magnus Bäckstedt, will no
longer be part of the same cycling team heading in to 2025. The former Paris-Roubaix
winner has departed Canyon-SRAM and joined the Cofidis Women team, marking a
significant change for the father-daughter duo who have spent the past few
seasons working together.
"He told me a while ago. I was on holiday actually, and
he called me up and just told me that he wasn't going to be working with me for
the 'cross season as much and that he was moving teams. It's not that I can do
anything about it, it's not my job, it's his job,"
Zoe shared with Cyclingnews
during Canyon/SRAM's training camp in Portugal.
Despite the separation, Zoe is supportive of her father’s
new role. "When I found out that he was also going to Cofidis, I was super
happy for him and it's cool to see him working, speaking French all the time in
meetings. You sit there and watch him in a meeting and his brain is just (whirring)
and there's smoke coming out of his ears thinking of things. I think he's
happy."
Magnus, who has a wealth of experience both as a rider and a
mentor, is optimistic about his new position. "Cofidis is a prestigious
team, well known in the world of cycling. The challenge with the women's team
is exciting. I will do everything to contribute and continue to build an
environment that is favourable to the development of female riders," he
said.
His focus will include leveraging his expertise to
strengthen Cofidis Women in various races. "I want to bring my experience,
in the classics of course but also in all the races where I will be asked to go
to allow the team to grow and reach the UCI World Tour."