Looking ahead to the World Championships in Tabor, Backstedt is quietly confident of competing for the win. "Normally, I should be able to compete for the rainbow jersey. If everything goes according to plan, I can claim it," she previews. "However, I am taking into account competitors like
Leonie Bentveld,
Marie Schreiber, and Kristyna Zemanová. For the latter, it is a home race, so that is always something to watch out for. It is still difficult for me to estimate how significant the differences will be. I dare not make many statements about that."
One thing could definitely benefit Backstedt's chances however, rain. ''It can go either way there," the Welshwoman explains. "For me, it would, of course, be great if it were pouring down from the sky, haha! A bit of a combination of Dendermonde and Dublin. Rain, rain, and more rain during the lead-up, dry and some drizzle during the race – that would be perfect, and I'm going to pray for that."