Zoe Backstedt Claims Women's Could Be Unstoppable with Full Coverage

New Delhi, India Aug 19, 2026 ALN: British champion Zoe Backstedt says women's will be "unstoppable" if it receives full television coverage for races such as the recent Tour de France (TdF) Femmes.

The 21-year-old Welsh rider made her highly anticipated TdF Femmes debut last week, riding for Canyon-SRAM in support of team-mate Katarzyna Niewiadoma-Phinney, who finished second behind champion Demi Vollering. Backstedt's participation in this prestigious event highlights not only her growing prominence in the but also the increasing visibility of women's on a global stage.

"There was a lot of screaming and shouting about the women's Tour de France this year, and it was incredible to see," said Backstedt. This enthusiasm from fans and the media underscores a significant shift in the perception of women's , which has historically struggled for the same level of attention as its male counterpart. The TdF Femmes, in particular, has gained traction as a pivotal event, showcasing the talents of female cyclists and drawing larger audiences.

However, Backstedt pointed out a critical issue that continues to plague the visibility of women's : "The only thing we need from now on is full coverage line to line." Only three of the nine stages of this year's race were broadcast live in their entirety. This limited coverage has raised concerns among athletes and advocates who believe that the lack of comprehensive broadcasting diminishes the 's potential to attract new fans and sponsors.

Backstedt contends that on several days, the key moments were "already done by the time the coverage happened." This delayed coverage not only affects the immediate excitement of the race but also impacts the ability of viewers to engage with the athletes' performances in real-time. "Then you can't watch us racing - you can't watch us being our best and showing off the best part of the race," she added. This sentiment reflects a broader frustration within the women's community regarding the inconsistent media coverage that has historically overshadowed the achievements of female athletes.

"I think once we finally get full coverage of the race, then we're going to be unstoppable, 100%," Backstedt stated, emphasizing her belief that enhanced visibility could lead to increased interest in women's . The implications of such coverage extend beyond just fan engagement; they also encompass the potential for greater sponsorship opportunities and financial support for female athletes, which could further elevate the .

Backstedt's TdF Femmes debut followed exceptional performances throughout 2026. She had already secured British road race and time trial titles, along with a sprint stage victory at the Tour de Suisse Femmes. Additionally, she retained the 2026 Baloise Ladies Tour title, a year after becoming the youngest winner of the race, which further solidifies her status as a rising star in women's .

On Wednesday, she will target more success when the 2026 Tour of Britain Women begins, as she aims to leverage her TdF Femmes experience to her advantage. Backstedt delivered a standout ride in the time trial on stage four but narrowly missed out on the podium, finishing a close fourth, just two seconds behind Vollering. Her performance, however, was indicative of her competitive spirit and determination.

"It was maybe not the result I wanted or hoped for," she said, reflecting on her near-podium finish. "I have high expectations of myself and I really wanted to do at least a podium. So to say I want a podium but get fourth, it's super close. But it is what it is. It was the legs on the day, and I think coming around to it, it's still a really, really good result." This acknowledgment of her performance illustrates the high standards that Backstedt sets for herself and the resilience she exhibits in the face of competitive challenges.

Backstedt placed 50th overall in the general classification and impressed on the final day, pushing the pace and reducing the peloton to only 11 riders. Her tactical awareness and ability to influence the race dynamics were evident as she took the initiative to ride on the front, attempting to isolate the rivals of Niewiadoma-Phinney. This strategic approach not only showcased her skills but also her commitment to supporting her team, even when it meant pushing herself to her limits.

"I got halfway up and I was like, 'I'm done, I'm done - I can't do it anymore,'" Backstedt recalled, illustrating the physical and mental demands of elite . However, she then started receiving information from her team that riders behind her were being dropped, which provided her with the motivation to continue pushing forward. This moment exemplifies the camaraderie and support that exists within teams, which can be a crucial factor in achieving success in such a demanding .

As women's continues to evolve and gain momentum, the call for full coverage of events like the TdF Femmes becomes increasingly urgent. The potential for growth in the is immense, and with advocates like Zoe Backstedt leading the charge, the future of women's looks promising. The combination of talented athletes, passionate fans, and improved media representation could indeed make women's "unstoppable" in the years to come.