Lotte Kopecky claimed victory at the iconic Paris-Roubaix Femmes, marking a significant milestone in her already large palmares. The race, spanning 148.5 kilometres with nearly 30 kilometres of challenging cobblestone sections, culminated in a thrilling sprint finish at the Vélodrome André Pétrieux. Kopecky, representing SD Worx-Protime, emerged triumphant against a competitive field, including three Dutch riders, to secure her first win in this storied race.
The early stages of the race saw French rider Victoire Joncheray attempt a breakaway which saw her get nearly 2 minutes, though the peloton reeled her in well before the decisive moments on the cobblestone stretches. Kopecky’s ambition was clear from the onset, with the Belgian making her intentions known on the third cobblestone sector, initiating a pace that only a select few could match.
(Photo Credit: Luc Claessen/Getty Images)
Despite an initial separation, the race remained tightly contested, with numerous riders rejoining the lead group on the tarmac sections. A pivotal moment occurred on the Mons-en-Pévèle sector, as Kopecky accelerated, causing the group to splinter. Marianne Vos, Pfeiffer Georgi, and Christina Schweinberger were among the few who managed to keep pace, while Lorena Wiebes faced difficulties and eventually fell back.
The race narrative took another twist on the Camphin-en-Pévèle sector, where Kopecky launched yet another attack, drawing Vos and Elisa Balsamo into a leading trio. This lead group managed to catch early attackers Jade Wiel and Amber Kraak, setting the stage for a dramatic conclusion on the legendary cobblestones of Carrefour de l’Arbre.
In the final kilometres, a six-rider group, including Kopecky, Vos, Balsamo, Georgi, Kraak, and Ellen van Dijk, formed at the front. Despite a series of attacks, this leading pack arrived together at the Roubaix velodrome, where a sprint finish would determine the victor.
Kopecky, positioned behind her rivals in the sprint, unleashed a formidable acceleration to overtake both Vos and Balsamo in the closing moments, securing a memorable victory. Balsamo clinched second place, with Georgi completing the podium in third. Vos, a pre-race favourite, had to settle for fourth after a fiercely contested finale.
(Photo Credit: Getty)
Reflecting on her win, Kopecky expressed immense satisfaction, acknowledging the significance of achieving her season’s primary goal. “This was the goal of the season, and to actually do it is really nice. The team gave me so much confidence, especially in the last week,” Kopecky shared. The 2024 Paris-Roubaix Femmes will undoubtedly be remembered for its intense competition, challenging conditions, and Lotte Kopecky’s triumphant ride into the history books here.
2024 Paris Roubaix Femmes
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Main photo credit: Getty
