Lotte Kopecky has been crowned the elite world champion for the second consecutive year after a thrilling, but emotional race in Switzerland. The 28-year-old Belgian from Team SD Worx-Protime was the fastest in the final sprint ahead of Chloe Dygert and Elisa Longo-Borghini. On the tricky Zurich course and after an emotional time for each and every rider in the wake of Muriel Furrer’s tragic accident at the event, Kopecky had to chase several times, but each time she dug deep and fought her way back into the title race. The stage was set for glory as she then sprinted grandiosely back into the rainbow jersey.
‘I can’t believe it!’ Kopecky said immediately after her victory. Her thoughts of course first turned to the tragic circumstances. ‘First of all, I want to express my condolences to Muriel Furrer’s family. The minute’s silence at the start was harsh with the Swiss riders crying. You don’t want to see that. It must be really hard on them and the family. You can say this is also a title for Muriel, yes.’
Kopecky then analysed her race. ‘It was an enervating day. It rained and was cold. On the climbs you were too hot, but downhill you got cold again. The key was to keep a ‘cool’ head, despite the fact that I was freezing a few laps from the end. I tried not to let it creep into my head.’
‘Also, I tried not to panic when I got into trouble on the longer climb when Demi Vollering attacked. I had to ride my own pace and hoped to get back that way. It was a strong group in front and there was a chance they would work together and so stay in front. But I couldn’t give up. I had seen how Alec Segaert rode to the bronze medal from a lost position in the U23 on Friday. Once I got to the front again, the mental games started and it was again important to stay cool and spend my energy wisely.’
‘When Elisa Longo Borghini returned from the background and immediately attacked, there was a moment of fear for a moment. Demi was maybe just a bit too nervous, because she closed the gap, which was ideal for me. In the sprint I tried to time well, Ruby Roseman-Gannon went, Demi immediately took over and then it was my moment to go. This is the win of the head. A second world title in a row, unbelievable!’ said Kopecky, who will continue to wear the rainbow stripes with a deep sense of pride.
