Lotte Kopecky revealed that she contracted COVID-19 after the Giro d’Italia Women, but remains hopeful that it will not impact her performance in the upcoming Olympics. Speaking to VTM Nieuws, the world champion shared her thoughts on her condition and preparation for the games.
“I’m not too worried about COVID because I came out of the Giro with a corona infection,” Kopecky said. “So, I’m somewhat immune now. I don’t think the infection will affect my performance. After the positive test, I took it easy for a few days, but everything felt good on the track last weekend. I don’t think it will have any lasting effects.”
Course concerns
Kopecky’s Olympic campaign begins on Saturday with the women’s individual time trial. Having inspected the course on Wednesday, she expressed some concerns about its condition. “The road surface is not in great shape. There are a lot of potholes, making it very difficult to find a good line. It’s hard to maintain a good position; you have to stay alert all the time,” she noted.
The women’s time trial, like the men’s, covers 32.4 kilometres against the clock. “I think that could work in my favour. I’m a rider who can still deliver high power even when tired. But it’s still a question mark how I’ll handle such a long time trial,” Kopecky admitted.
Medal prospects
In addition to the time trial, Kopecky will compete in the road race and the omnium on the track. “I think my chances of winning a medal in the time trial are the smallest. That’s fair to say. I’ll do my best. If it results in a medal, I’ll be very happy. If not, I won’t panic. There are still two very good chances to come.”
