Lotte Kopecky and Team SD Worx were right on target in the opening weekend of the Classics season. The 27-year-old Belgian convincingly added Omloop Het Nieuwsblad to her record. Last season, she picked up her first big win of her career at the Strade Bianche and hopes to repeat that win at the event that takes place this year on March 4th.
“It will always remain a special victory for me,” said Lotte Kopecky, looking back. “Thanks to my win in Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, I will arrive at the start of Strade Bianche with no pressure. Winning the same race twice in a row is difficult, but I’m going to try anyway.”
Lotte Kopecky looks more relaxed and sharp than ever. Last weekend, she became the first Belgian ever to win Omloop Het Nieuwsblad. She convincingly rode away from everything and everyone on the Muur van Geraardsbergen and the Bosberg. “It’s true that I’ve never been better,” Kopecky admitted. “Although we did factor in that the real super form should only come in three to four weeks, so there should still be room for improvement.”
Last year, she pulled off the same trick in Strade Bianche. “It was my first win of that calibre,” she reflected. “That and especially the way I won makes this race so special for me. My first season with Team SD Worx was simply great. The second has already started well.”
“The opening weekend could not have been better for Team SD Worx. My victory in Omloop Het Nieuwsblad tastes like more. After this win, the motivation for the Strade is very high. I will go full steam ahead. The confidence is there. Strade Bianche suits me. I like the course. My form is good and I am part of a super strong Team SD Worx.”
Team Line-up:
Lotte KOPECKY
Demi VOLLERING
Niamh FISHER-BLACK
Elena CECCHINI
Mischa BREDEWOLD
Anna SHACKLEY
