Belgian cyclist Lotte Kopecky clinched three gold medals at the World Cycling Championships, marking her as a formidable force in women’s cycling. Kopecky’s victories in the points and elimination races were followed by a triumph in the women’s road race in Glasgow, Scotland.
The race, which began under overcast conditions near Loch Lomond and spanned 154 kilometres, saw the sun appear as it neared its climax in Glasgow. Early on, Switzerland’s Elise Chabbey took a promising lead, only to be overtaken by champions like Demi Vollering. However, an unexpected cramp hindered Vollering’s progress, paving the way for Kopecky and Cecilie Uttrup Ludwig to move ahead. Demonstrating remarkable strength, Kopecky surged past Ludwig in the last 6 kilometres, securing a solo victory.
The competition was fierce with notable efforts from riders like Lizzie Deignan. Numerous challenges, from crashes to mechanical issues, made the race unpredictable. For instance, the Netherlands’ Annemiek van Vleuten grappled with several technical problems during the event. Following Kopecky, a heated sprint ensued between Uttrup Ludwig and Vollering for the silver. In a thrilling turn, Vollering managed to secure the silver, relegating Uttrup Ludwig to third.
Before this championship, 27-year-old Kopecky had been close to significant victories, like finishing fourth in the Tokyo Olympics road race. But her trio of victories in Glasgow cemented her elite status in the sport. As she prepares for the Paris Olympics, she will proudly sport the distinctive rainbow colours signifying her championship titles.
Apart from Kopecky’s monumental achievement, the U23 women’s road race witnessed Hungary’s Blanka Vas win gold, finishing just over four minutes behind Kopecky. This championship celebrated both the established champions and upcoming talents in the world of cycling. In Glasgow, amid displays of endurance and strategy, Lotte Kopecky emerged as the unequivocal star, confirming her position as a premier cyclist globally.
2023 Women’s World Championship Road Race photos
