Video: Lotte Kopecky Retains World Champion Title After Thrilling Race in Zurich

Lotte Kopecky is an elite  cycling world champion for the second consecutive year. 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, however, she had to chase several times, but each time Kopecky fought her way back into the title race. After which she sprinted grandiosely back into the rainbow jersey.

‘I can’t believe it,’ Kopecky said in an initial reaction. ‘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.’

After which Kopecky talked us through 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,’ Kopecky said.

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