With an impressive track record of six victories in the Tour of Flanders, Team SD Worx-Protime is eyeing a monumental seventh win at this year’s event. The spotlight is on Lotte Kopecky, the reigning world champion, who stands on the brink of making history. A victory would make her the first woman to clinch the Tour of Flanders three times in succession. Despite Kopecky’s standout status, the team emphasises a collective approach to victory. “We are not betting on one rider. We have several spearheads, and the goal is to take the win with Team SD Worx-Protime,” stated sports director Anna van der Breggen, highlighting the team’s depth and strategic flexibility.
Kopecky, gearing up to compete in her homeland as the world champion, shared her anticipation for the race, underlining the unique connection she feels with the Belgian classic. The prospect of racing in the rainbow jersey in front of a home crowd adds a special dimension to her participation. “To win as world champion in my own country with jersey number one, that would complete the picture,” Kopecky remarked, emphasising the motivational boost of her previous wins while acknowledging the strength of her team.
Demi Vollering, another formidable rider within the team, voiced her ambition to add the Tour of Flanders to her list of achievements. Following a fruitful altitude camp in the Sierra Nevada, Vollering is eager to test her form in one of the season’s most anticipated races. “This is definitely a special race for me… I want to have the Tour of Flanders on my palmares at the end of my career,” Vollering stated, reflecting the significance of the race for her and the team.
Sport director Anna van der Breggen showcased the team’s strength and versatility, which positions them as contenders across various race scenarios. The team boasts the top four riders in the UCI ranking – Vollering, Kopecky, Marlen Reusser, and Lorena Wiebes, illustrating the formidable lineup that SD Worx-Protime brings to the start. This strategic depth allows the team to adapt to the dynamic nature of the Tour of Flanders, spreading the pressure and increasing their chances of victory. “That we bring the number one to four in the UCI ranking to the start shows how strong the team is… Hopefully, we can add a seventh win in the Tour of Flanders to the history of this team,” concluded Van der Breggen, underscoring the team’s ambitions for the race.
As the Tour of Flanders approaches, Team SD Worx-Protime’s blend of individual talent and collective strategy sets the stage for an exciting and potentially historic race day.
