As the racing season draws to a close, Lotte Kopecky is gearing up for one final competition at the Track World Championships in Denmark. After a year that began in February and spanned various terrains including track, road, and gravel, the Belgian cyclist is determined not to overextend herself.
Kopecky has been a standout figure in the 2023 Cycling World Championships, clinching gold in the road race and achieving victories in the elimination and points races. Moreover, she took bronze in the Omnium at the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome in Glasgow. Riding for both her SD Worx-Protime trade team and the Belgian national team, Kopecky has had a remarkable 2024 season. Her accomplishments include triumphs in the World Championships road race, European Championships time trial, and the Tour de Romandie. Most recently, she secured a win in the Simac Ladies Tour and a silver medal at the Gravel World Championships.
In a conversation with Belgian newspaper Het Laatste Nieuws, Kopecky shared her thoughts about extending her season for the World Track Championships. “One week is still possible and it’s my own choice,” she said. “The elimination and points race are also the two events I like doing the most.” Yet, she acknowledged the importance of knowing when to stop, adding that whatever unfolds in Copenhagen won’t necessarily enhance her season, but she aims to finish her year on a high note.
Receiving her fifth Kristallen Fiets as the top Belgian racer, Kopecky expressed her delight. However, she hasn’t decided where to place the prestigious trophy. Others are with her family, while two remain in her attic. “Don’t get me wrong, it’s not that I want to hide these beautiful trophies,” she explained. “I just don’t want a living room full of racing memorabilia.”
Looking ahead, Kopecky has her sights set on 2025 goals. Having been a runner-up in both the Giro d’Italia and the Tour de France without specific preparation, she admits that aiming for a Grand Tour classification is on her mind, though it poses new challenges. Her immediate targets include the Amstel Gold Race and Liège-Bastogne-Liège next spring, two Classics she aspires to win.
Reflecting on her demanding season, Kopecky discussed the necessity of taking a break. “It’s crucial to engage in activities outside of cycling,” she stated. “Although it’s tough to switch off, I recognise the need for a proper break to let my body recover, mentally and physically, after these intense seasons.” After the World Track Cycling Championships, she intends to step back from the bike and take some well-deserved rest.
