British rider Elynor Bäckstedt has signed a three-year contract with UAE Team ADQ, marking the next chapter in her professional cycling career. The 22-year-old, known for her versatility and dedication, moves from Lidl-Trek, where she has spent the last five years honing her skills alongside riders like Elisa Longo Borghini and Brodie Chapman. Bäckstedt’s decision to join UAE Team ADQ was heavily influenced by the opportunity to continue working with her long-time teammates.
“I’ve been teammates with Elisa for five years, and Brodie for two. I get along with them and we work super well together,” said Bäckstedt. “That was certainly a factor in the move across to UAE Team ADQ because they’re amazing teammates, but I’m looking forward to getting to know all the riders.”
The Welsh-born rider has an impressive background, with junior victories such as Gent-Wevelgem and podium finishes at the UCI Road World Championships. However, her focus over the last few seasons has been supporting others, particularly in stage races and the Classics. Now, Bäckstedt is keen to focus on her own development, particularly in time trials.
“I want to improve my TT a bit more because that’s been on the backburner for the last couple of years. I’m excited to see what this move can bring out of me,” she explained.
Bäckstedt’s move comes at a time when UAE Team ADQ is continuing to grow and develop within the Women’s WorldTour. Since their entry into the top tier in 2023, the team has made strides both in terms of results and structure, including their investment in a development squad. This holistic approach to developing talent, which allows riders to transition between line-ups based on form and potential, resonated with Bäckstedt.
“I really like that they’re such a professional team. I like that they’re always striving for improvements, and I see a lot of potential within the team. It looks like a good place to be and I can’t wait to get stuck in and join them,” she said. “Sometimes you just need a new challenge and this looks like a great one.”
Her excitement for the team goes beyond the riders. Bäckstedt is particularly keen on reuniting with Colnago bikes, which she rode as a junior. “I actually used to race Colnago when I was a junior, so I’ve always loved those bikes. I’m truly excited to be getting back on a Colnago next year,” she said, highlighting the importance of the equipment in her decision.
UAE Team ADQ president Melissa Moncada spoke highly of Bäckstedt’s qualities, both as an individual rider and as a teammate. “For a rider so young, she has a huge amount of WorldTour experience. Elynor has such enthusiasm and passion for racing at the highest level, and whilst she has firmly established herself in the WorldTour, we also believe that there’s a huge amount of untapped potential inside her,” Moncada said.
Bäckstedt’s experience in Grand Tours and Classics, coupled with her ability to support team leaders, will be a valuable asset to UAE Team ADQ. Despite her years in the WorldTour, she is still hungry for more, especially her own victories.
“I’d like to get stuck in at the front of more races and try and take a win because it has been a while since that happened to me. I’ve developed a lot since then but I still feel like I have a lot more in me, so I’d love to take a win next year.”
