Lotte Kopecky’s status as the favourite for the elite women’s road race in the World Championships didn’t seem to weigh on her. She seized victory in Glasgow, pulling off an unbeatable late attack as her competitors struggled with the demands of the race.
With this victory, Kopecky became the first Belgian woman to win the world title since 1973.
Kopecky, who had been considered the favourite in other races this season and won them, stated that this expectation didn’t affect her performance.
“I was aware that I was the favourite, but there was nothing I could do about that,” she explained. “I could have become stressed but that’s just the way things are. It’s not a new situation for me, and the more often it happens, the easier it is to manage.”
She revealed that after completing her Classics season, she inspected the Worlds course in Glasgow and saw that it suited her strengths as a cyclist.
Kopecky’s victory was solidified with a late attack before the challenging Montrose Street climb. She knew the world championship was hers after overcoming the steep ramp.
Reflecting on the race, Kopecky said, “I was nervous in the beginning but once we were in the lap, I held my position well at the front. After the last climb on Montrose Street, I knew all I had to do was stay upright to win.”
Though she came close to victory in Wollongong, Australia, last year, Kopecky emphasised that her previous performance wasn’t a factor in Glasgow. She felt confident and knew she was one of the strongest riders.
In a tight race, Demi Vollering of the Netherlands out-sprinted Uttrup Ludwig to finish second, seven seconds behind Kopecky.
2023 Elite Women’s Road Race results
1. KOPECKY Lotte, Belgium – 04:02:12
2. VOLLERING Demi, Netherlands +07
3. LUDWIG Cecilie Uttrup, Denmark +07
4. REUSSER Marlen, Switzerland +12
5. SCHWEINBERGER Christina, Austria +34
6. DEIGNAN Lizzie, Great Britain +34
7. CHABBEY Elise, Switzerland +01:24
8. VAN VLEUTEN Annemiek, Netherlands +02:48
9. MARKUS Riejanne, Netherlands – +03:51
10. GARCIA Mavi, Spain – +04:05
