"Those are really the most ideal circumstances for me" - Zoe Bäckstedt revelling in prospect of weather-affected European Cyclocross Championships

Looking at the predicted weather forecast for this weekend's European Cyclocross Championships, it doesn't look particularly appealing. One rider who certainly doesn't fear the bad weather is Zoe Bäckstedt.

The wet and windy weather that is anticipated due to Storm Ciaran, holds no fear for the prodigious, 19-year-old, Welsh talent. "When it is two degrees Celsius, there is a heavy downpour, the mud is up to your chest and no one wants to be there, I am at my best," she explains in conversation with In de Leiderstrui. "Those are really the most ideal circumstances for me. I certainly prefer something like that to a sunny or dry cross."

Whilst Bäckstedt will begin Sunday's European Championships race as something of an underdog, anything can happen in cyclocross, something that is exponentially increased by the involvement of weather. "It is important to stay focused, absorb and remember the course and then give it your all," she says. "But of course, you have to remain calm at all times."

With two victories two her name already this season as well, Bäckstedt is understandably fancying her chances. "My results so far give me quite a lot of confidence with a view to the European Championship," the Canyon//SRAM Racing star explains. "There is quite a lot of climbing to do during the European Championships. I'm really looking forward to that. Normally I am not a climber-climber, especially not on the road. Things are going well in the field when there is quite a bit of elevation gain. For example, the cross in Namur with the famous Citadel normally goes quite well for me. In any case, I'm really looking forward to it!"