For Lotte Kopecky it was a season of some highs, but unfortunately also some lows this time. For example, the Tour de France was anything but a success. But in Wallonia they have not lost hope yet.
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Tour dream remains present
Although of course we first have to see how this works for Kopecky himself. Will she still find the motivation to really go for a general classification in the Tour? After all, this requires major sacrifices in terms of construction, knowing that this can have repercussions on the classical level.
Moreover, the competition in the Tour is only increasing. With top climbers such as Demi Vollering, Pauline Ferrand-Prevot – winner last summer – and Kasia Niewiadoma, it seems to be a particularly difficult task to actually win the Tour. Nevertheless, at RTBF they believe that it is still possible.
“I think the goal remains to ride a classification in the Tour,” says analyst Martin Weynants, who also makes it clear that Kopecky is already working hard on Lanzarote, in the company of Sanne Cant. “They still haven’t attracted a second or third leader at SD-Worx, as has been indicated. So they probably still give Kopecky space in the Tour.”
The greatest Belgian hope
A hopeful thought, one that is also shared by fellow analyst Gerard Bulens. He points to a bad moment with Kopecky last summer, but retains all confidence in the two-time world champion: “I think her first attempt did not come at the right time,” he says.
“If we really want to see a Belgian woman win the Tour in the coming years, I think it will have to happen through Kopecky. She also has all the qualities for it.”
Moreover, Bulens sees that the course is already tailor-made for Kopecky: “I think it is a route that suits her perfectly. There is, among other things, a time trial, where she could make a difference. And I think she can have her say even in the mountains.”
