Lotte Kopecky wins women's road race at UCI Cycling World Championships

Posted : 13 August 2023

Lotte Kopecky demonstrated her remarkable versatility by securing victory in the women's road race at the UCI Cycling World Championships. This triumph came shortly after her double victories in the velodrome earlier in the week. Kopecky's strong performance saw her break away from a select group of contenders in the final kilometers of the Glasgow race. Demi Vollering, her SD Worx teammate, clinched second place in the sprint ahead of Cecilie Uttrup Ludwig.

In an emotional moment, Lotte Kopecky, representing Belgium, claimed victory in the women's road race at the UCI Cycling World Championships. This achievement came in the same week as her twin titles in the velodrome events. Her win marked a significant milestone as she became the first Belgian woman in 50 years to secure this title, the last being Nicole Van Den Broeck in 1973.

Kopecky's strength shone through in the challenging finish in Glasgow. She managed to break away from Cecilie Uttrup Ludwig of Denmark with 5.5 kilometers to go, riding solo to secure her victory.

Demi Vollering, the recent Tour de France champion from the Netherlands, chased after Kopecky, eventually overtaking Uttrup Ludwig to claim the silver medal in a bike throw finish. However, the spotlight belonged to Kopecky, who added another successful chapter to her remarkable season.

Kopecky expressed her gratitude to her teammates for their contributions, acknowledging their efforts in a challenging year. She described her win as a dream come true and conveyed her excitement about wearing the rainbow jersey next year.

Reflecting on her performance, Kopecky shared, "Today I felt really quick and I also had the feeling that I was one of the strongest riders in the race." She highlighted the teamwork that played a crucial role in her victory, emphasizing how her fellow cyclists helped manage the pace and secure her position.

The race saw various breakaway attempts and intense competition, with riders like Soraya Paladin, Teniel Campbell, and others making notable moves. Kopecky's strategic decision-making and her ability to navigate the challenging course ultimately led her to the gold medal.

As Kopecky celebrated her victory, Annemiek van Vleuten, a former world champion from the Netherlands, crossed the finish line in eighth place in her farewell World Championships. Despite facing mechanical issues, Van Vleuten expressed her satisfaction and gratitude for the warm reception from the UK audience.

Lotte Kopecky's triumph in the women's road race showcased her versatility and determination, capping off a memorable year of achievements.

Lotte Kopecky wins women's road race at UCI Cycling World Championships

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