Will Kopecky take on new role after Vollering's departure (and Van der Breggen's arrival)? "I will never give up the Classics"

Lotte Kopecky consecutively became world champion for the second time and received the Vélo d'Or for the second time. The Belgian top rider from SD Worx-Protime was again the woman to beat in the peloton, especially in the classics. But after her fourth place in the 2023 Tour de France, the GC remains an option, especially with the departure of Demi Vollering in mind.

There may be more opportunities for Kopecky in the GC starting next year, but not at the expense of other races. "The classics are still the races I like the most," she tells L'Équipe. "That's the reason why I cycle. That is why I will never give them up, I think. But you can combine the classics and the summer. They are two different periods on the calendar."

After the transfer of Demi Vollering to FDJ-SUEZ, the absolute leading lady position is up for grabs, although the return of Anna van der Breggen is a new factor to consider. "Of course, I will climb and train more in the spring, but I don't think we will be at a disadvantage for races like Liège." This year, Kopecky finished only 38th there. She had more success in the Paris-Roubaix and the Strade Bianche, both of which she won.  

Read more below the photo!

Lotte Kopecky became world champion in Zurich for the second time.

With La Primavera on the calendar, there is a new goal

So spring remains the main focus. What is so special about the spring classics? "I like the nature of those races, the changeable weather every week. I can stand the rain and cold well. I like short, explosive hills; there are a lot of them. Many races end in a sprint of a small group, which I'm also good at. I'm always very motivated for these kinds of races."

A new classic on the calendar is Milan-San Remo. There will be a female edition for the first time in 2025: on March 22, the ladies will have the opportunity to compete to be the first winner of La Primavera. Kopecky is already excited about it. "It's what we still have to talk about with the team. It's going to be a great race. The thing is, we just have to see how it fits into the calendar."

Read also

FDJ-Suez introduces Demi Vollering and Lars Boom: from "closing the laptop with a smile" to "bonjour, croissant"

Bad relationship between SD Worx and Vollering resolved, as she explores the US with her new team

Movistar women under review: Van Vleuten's money seems to have been spent in two ways

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Get every week the latest news about CYCLING in your inbox!

Subscribe