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Zoe Bäckstedt (Canyon-SRAM zondacrypto) dominates the opening individual time trial of the Vuelta a Extremadura, marking her first victory of the 2026 season. The 21-year-old British National Time Trial Champion conquers the rain-soaked 18-kilometre course with a stunning 12-second lead over former Australian National TT Champion Brodie Chapman (UAE Team ADQ) and 17 seconds ahead of teammate Maëva Squiban. First-year pro Mackenzie Coupland (Liv AlUla Jayco) shines with a fourth-place finish, just 20 seconds behind, after briefly holding the hot seat. Coupland fends off double French National Time Trial Champion Marion Borras (Cofidis) by eight seconds. Ema Comte (Cofidis) and Fee Knaven (UAE Team ADQ) also challenge, but Bäckstedt’s performance secures her eighth career win and the race's first overall leader's jersey. The three-day event continues with a 132-kilometre stage from Pueblonuevo del Guadiana to Fuente del Maestre.
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