For anyone who followed Kopecky’s trajectory over the last few years, her current dominance may feel almost inevitable—but the path wasn’t always smooth. Born in Rumst, Belgium, in 1995, she turned professional at 19 with the Belgian Continental team Topsport-Vlaanderen-Pro-Duo and slowly carved out her place in the peloton. Her first victory, at the Trofee Maarten Wynants in 2016, hinted at her potential, yet the years that followed were a mix of triumphs and setbacks.
Ultimately, even with its challenges, 2020 was a breakthrough season for her. She claimed the Belgian national road race title and, for the second time of what would become four, the national time trial title. That year also saw her net a stage win at the Giro d’Italia Donne and podium finishes at classics like Le Samyn des Dames, Gent-Wevelgem, the Tour of Flanders, and Brugge-De Panne.
Her 2020 successes set the stage for a new chapter in 2021 when she joined Liv Racing, her first Women’s WorldTeam, on a one-year deal after years with Lotto Soudal Ladies. That season, she again took the Belgian national titles in the road race and time trial, cementing her place as a force on the national stage.
Kopecky truly found her stride in the one-day classics in 2022 after joining Team SD Worx. Her performance that year brought career-defining wins, with triumphs in the Ronde van Vlaanderen and Strade Bianche. She narrowly missed first place at Paris-Roubaix, finishing second, and capped off the season with a silver in the World Championships road race. These achievements, combined with the personal resilience she demonstrated, set the stage for her stellar 2023 and 2024 seasons.
A season of strategic wins and standout moments
The magic began early in the year with her dominant performance at Strade Bianche, where she secured her position as a key contender for the classics and showcased her strengths on the gravel roads of Tuscany. Shortly after, she added Nokere Koerse to her list of wins, and by the time Paris-Roubaix arrived, Kopecky was already riding a wave of success. Her victory there was no easy feat, especially considering the physical and mental demands of the iconic cobbled race. Yet, she conquered it with characteristic grit, adding another monumental classic to her record.
With numerous wins under her belt by mid-season, she was only warming up. She took the Belgian National Championships in both the road race and time trial (a feat she’s accomplished four times to date), underscoring her status as Belgium’s national hero. In the Tour of Britain, she won the opening two stages and carried her form all the way to the Giro d’Italia, where she claimed a stage win and finished second overall. She then set her sights on Paris for the Olympic Games. There, she delivered a thrilling performance, making the decisive move alongside American rider Kristen Faulkner and ultimately securing a bronze medal in a sprint finish against Marianne Vos.
Closing the season as strongly as she started, Kopecky added wins at the Tour de Romandie and defended her rainbow jersey at the UCI Road World Championships in Zurich, capping off the year with another world title. Her list of achievements was as varied as it was extensive—classics, championships, stage races, and medals.
Leading the women’s world ranking
Kopecky’s season ended with her topping the UCI Women’s World Ranking with a remarkable 6,389 points. This accomplishment marked her as the year’s most successful rider and solidified her place as the first Belgian woman to reach the number-one spot in the ranking’s history. Her lead over teammate Demi Vollering, who finished with 5,011 points, underscores the rivalry and camaraderie within Team SD Worx, which has emerged as a powerhouse in women’s cycling. Together, they’ve elevated the team’s reputation and brought attention to the incredible talent within the Women’s WorldTour.
As Kopecky reflected on her season, she acknowledged the challenge of maintaining her form and status. “Doing better will be very difficult, or even impossible,” she told Flemish sports channel Sporza, adding, “but I will try to keep this status in the coming years.” This humble yet determined perspective speaks volumes about her character and the mindset she’ll bring into future seasons.
Personal triumphs and resilience
Several profound personal experiences have shaped the path to Kopecky’s current success. In 2023, she endured the sudden loss of her older brother, Seppe, who had been a significant influence in her life and career. Racing soon after his passing, she channelled her grief into an extraordinary performance at Nokere Koerse, where she soloed to victory. That season, she went on to claim multiple wins, including the Tour of Flanders, the Simac Ladies Tour, and the Belgian national championships in both road and time trial, ending the year with her first world title at the UCI Road World Championships in Glasgow. The resilience she showed through her achievements in the face of loss is a testament to her strength, both on and off the bike.
A complete rider with a bright future
Kopecky’s versatility sets her apart in a peloton filled with specialists. Equally adept at tackling cobbled classics, time trials, and long stage races, she embodies the all-rounder spirit that’s rare and valuable in modern cycling. Her track experience, including multiple world and European titles in the Madison and points races, has undoubtedly contributed to her tactical acumen and sprint speed. With a career that spans road and track disciplines, she’s proven herself a force to be reckoned with across the board.
At 28, Kopecky is at the peak of her powers, and with the experience of her record-breaking season behind her, she heads into future challenges with momentum. Her success this year positions her as a favourite for upcoming classics and championships and sets a new standard for what’s possible in women’s cycling. With each race, she inspires fans, redefines expectations, and brings well-deserved attention to the women’s peloton.
Looking ahead
As the 2025 season approaches, Kopecky will face the ever-present challenge of defending her titles and maintaining her position at the top. But her journey to this point has shown she’s more than capable of rising to the occasion. Whether she’s racing in Belgium, Italy, or anywhere in between, one thing is clear: Lotte Kopecky is a true star of the peloton, and her legacy is just beginning.
