Human Powered Health has signed Magnus Bäckstedt as Head Sports Director.
After a renewed three-year title partnership with Human Powered Health, the acquisition is the first stride towards becoming one of the top-ranked teams in the world.
“This is a growing project, and that is what excites me,” says Bäckstedt. “Now is the perfect time for me to come in and help guide the team towards where it wants to be.”
Backstedt can count on a 16-year racing career and former directorial roles with Canyon//SRAM and Cofidis Womens Team to help with the project.
“We are proud to have Magnus join our team. He brings huge experience, both as a former champion and as a proven leader in women’s teams at the top of the sport,” says Ro De Jonckere, General Manager. “With the renewed support of Human Powered Health, we move towards our goal of becoming a top-ranked team by 2028. Magnus’s experience and passion for the sport will be a key element in helping us to raise the level of our team.”
Bäckstedt will work closely with Performance Manager Kenny Latomme, a relationship that struck up after the two did the UCI director course together in 2022.
“I’ve always kept a close eye on the team since that point,” says Bäckstedt. “When Kenny said that he wants the team aiming for the top five in the world ranking, he had me hooked.”
Bäckstedt’s experience in the sport and leadership will be paramount to the team’s next stage of development.
“Magnus has a deep tactical understanding and experience in growing athletes to reach their full potential,” continues De Jonckere. “In our conversations with Magnus, it was clear straight away that we are aligned in vision and values. We are very much looking forward to a great collaboration.”
Bäckstedt will join the team at the Human Powered Health Performance Lab in Wellesley, MA, in October for preseason screening and to see the facilities.
“It’s a key part of the team and I’m excited to see what happens at the lab, how they go about their work and how we can draw upon their experience and expertise,” says Bäckstedt. “This way we can package everything into raising the performance and abilities of the team. It’s really exciting to have this facility.”
As a rider, Bäckstedt’s most iconic moment came in 2004 when he won Paris-Roubaix. His experience in these races will be crucial come Classics time.
“I always love the Classics,” he says. “It’s the part of the year that’s most difficult to get right. It challenges you to get everything as close to perfect as possible. I enjoy stage races too, of course, and going to the big three tours with clear GC objectives excites me.”
Stay tuned for further announcements, renewals and signings as Human Powered Health builds towards 2026.
