Milan, Italy – Lotte Kopecky of Team SD Worx-Protime delivered a stunning performance on Saturday, winning the Milan-San Remo Donne after a challenging race marred by a significant crash on the Cipressa descent. The victory marks a triumphant return to form for Kopecky, who had a hard 2025 season, and adds another prestigious monument to her palmarès, following previous wins at the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix.
The decisive moment came just before the top of the Poggio, where Kopecky found herself in a leading group of five riders. Displaying patience and tactical awareness, she bided her time before launching a powerful sprint inside the final 200 meters to secure the win. Noemi Rüegg (EF Education-Oatly) finished second, while Eleonora Gasparrini (UAE Team ADQ) edged out Puck Pieterse (Fenix-Premier Tech) for third place.
“It’s just amazing,” a jubilant Kopecky said after the race. “I had the full support today from my team SD Worx-Protime. I similarly was really confident after the win of Wednesday. I feel for me the whole race just fell into place.”
The race unfolded with drama from the outset. A major crash on the descent of the Cipressa caused significant disruption to the peloton, forcing riders to navigate a treacherous course. Despite the chaos, Kopecky remained focused, positioning herself well as the race approached its critical stages.
Kopecky credited her team’s strategic execution for her success. “Our team took the responsibility when we had to. Everyone today did really a great job to bring us to the right place on the climbs and then on the top I was really happy that I could finally answer an attack on the climb,” she explained. She noted her awareness of the presence of Lorena Wiebes behind, a key factor in her timing of the final sprint.
“Going on the top into the descent with the five of us, I knew that I just really had to be patient and also understand that Lorena is still behind. I think I started my sprint on the perfect moment and I am super happy that I could finish it off.”
This victory is particularly significant for Kopecky, representing a resurgence after a challenging 2025. The win at Nokere Koerse earlier this week clearly boosted her confidence heading into Milan-San Remo. The Milan-San Remo Donne is widely considered one of the most prestigious races on the women’s cycling calendar, and Kopecky’s triumph solidifies her status as one of the sport’s leading riders.
The race’s challenging course, featuring steep climbs and technical descents, tested the riders’ endurance and skill. The Poggio, the final climb before the finish, is notorious for its difficulty and often serves as the launchpad for decisive attacks. Kopecky’s ability to navigate these challenges and time her sprint perfectly proved to be the winning formula.
The aftermath of the race saw concern for those involved in the crash on the Cipressa. Kopecky expressed her sympathy, noting the tricky conditions on the descent and hoping for a swift recovery for all affected riders. “The descents were very tricky,” she said. “I hope that everyone is okay.”
Looking ahead, Kopecky and Team SD Worx-Protime will undoubtedly carry this momentum into their upcoming races. The team’s strong performance in Milan-San Remo demonstrates their potential for continued success throughout the season. For Kopecky, this victory is not just a personal triumph but also a testament to the dedication and teamwork that defines her cycling career.
The Milan-San Remo Donne continues to be a showcase for the incredible talent and athleticism of women’s cycling, and Lotte Kopecky’s victory will undoubtedly be remembered as a highlight of the 2026 season.
What’s Next: The cycling world now turns its attention to the upcoming Tour of Flanders, where both Kopecky and other top contenders will appear to continue their campaigns. The Tour of Flanders is scheduled for [Date to be confirmed – information not available in sources].
