Backstedt seals double with road race victory

Zoe Backstedt produced a stellar display to win the British elite women's road race in Aberystwyth.

The 21-year-old spectacularly overhauled Josie Knight before finishing one minute and 42 seconds clear of the DAS-Hutchinson rider, who took runner-up spot.

Millie Couzens pipped Pfeiffer Georgi to bronze in Ceredigion.

The Welsh rider's latest success came just three days after she retained her British national elite women's time trial title.

She became the first British woman to complete the time trial and road race double since Alice Wood in 2019.

Having attacked early on, Knight opened up a sizeable lead.

Backstedt, Matilda McKibben and Jo Tindley worked to hunt down the leader, although it was Canyon//SRAM rider Backstedt who then launched a solo effort to haul in Knight.

As the previous leader tired, Backstedt took control and led with 14km to go before seeing out the victory to cap off an impressive double.

Fred Wright came out on top after a thrilling finale to win the elite men's road race.

The 27-year-old, riding for Pinarello-Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team, pipped Lewis Askey to top spot on the podium following a sprint to the finish line, with Connor Swift coming third.