Julia Kopecky, the rising Czech talent, has officially signed with Team SD Worx-Protime, marking a major step in her young career. After her success with AG Insurance-NXTG U23, including standout performances in the Tour de Feminin and Leiedal Koerse, Kopecky’s move to the world’s number-one team signals her growing potential in women’s cycling.
Speaking about her decision to join SD Worx-Protime, Kopecky expressed her excitement. “Why I signed with Team SD Worx-Protime? It is the number-one team in the world. After my conversation with sports manager Danny Stam, I knew I would fit in,” she said. She noted the team’s professional environment as the ideal place to take the next steps in her career. “I can find the professionalism I need to take the next step in my career with this team. When you see the steps some riders have made with this team, I am convinced I can do the same.”
From AG Insurance-NXTG U23 to SD Worx-Protime
Kopecky’s results in 2023 and 2024, including victories at Leiedal Koerse and the Czech Republic ITT, caught the attention of SD Worx-Protime. It was her second place in the Omloop van Borsele time trial that initially put her on the team’s radar. Reflecting on her development as a rider, SD Worx-Protime sports manager Danny Stam said, “After this result, we started following her intensively. I see Julia growing into a very strong rider in the future. With her good time trial skills, she can start riding very strong races as a hard rider. We also noticed that she is often well positioned at the crucial moments in a race.”
For Kopecky, the move to SD Worx-Protime comes with high expectations, but the 20-year-old remains focused on learning and progressing. “I hope to become a complete rider here,” Kopecky commented, noting the importance of surrounding herself with experienced riders to continue her growth. “In recent years, I have made strides, but when you see how fast the absolute top goes, I realise that I still have a long way to go. However, I fully believe that I can grow to that level within this team.”
Her move to SD Worx-Protime is also a reflection of her long-term ambitions in the sport. “I want to take the time to learn from the best and find my place in the peloton. It’s not easy to balance everything, but I’m confident that this team will support me in becoming the rider I want to be.”
