Brutal Ascent, Green Glory: Lotte Kopecky Triumphs and Suffers at Vuelta Femenina

Lotte Kopecky is used to winning. As a two-time world champion, the Belgian powerhouse typically dictates the terms of a race with a blend of raw power and tactical precision. But during the final stage of the Vuelta Femenina, Kopecky encountered a foe that didn’t care about her pedigree: the Angliru.

In a weekend of contrasting fortunes, Kopecky successfully secured the green points jersey, but the cost was a physical and mental battering on one of cycling’s most feared climbs. Speaking after the race, Kopecky didn’t mince words about the experience, describing the ascent as “terrible” and admitting she had never encountered anything quite like it.

The Monster of Asturias: Breaking Down the Angliru

For those unfamiliar with the geography of Spanish cycling, the Angliru is not merely a climb; it is a psychological war. Stretching 12.1 kilometers with an average gradient of 10.3%, the ascent is legendary for its steep ramps that can leave even the world’s best climbers gasping for air.

Kopecky entered the final stage with a specific mission: protect her lead in the points classification. While she had a comfortable eleven-point cushion over her nearest rival, Franziska Koch, the route required her to survive a grueling climb to reach a critical intermediate sprint. The tactical gamble paid off. Despite Koch picking up twelve points at the sprint, Kopecky clung to her opponent’s wheel to snag ten points of her own, effectively locking up the green jersey.

However, the victory in the points race was immediately followed by the reality of the summit finish. With no general classification (GC) ambitions to defend, Kopecky was forced into “survival mode.” The result was a stark contrast to her usual dominance: she crossed the line in 54th place, finishing a staggering 20 minutes behind the stage winner, Stiasny.

“It was just terrible,” Kopecky told Sporza without hesitation. “I’ve never experienced anything like it.”

To put this in perspective for the casual viewer, a 20-minute gap for a rider of Kopecky’s caliber is an eternity. It highlights the specialized nature of the Angliru; while Kopecky is a dominant force on flatter terrain and punchy classics, the sustained, brutal incline of the Angliru exposes the divide between the “power” riders and the “pure” climbers.

GC Drama: Blasi Topples Van der Breggen

While Kopecky was fighting for her life on the slopes, a high-stakes battle for the red leader’s jersey was unfolding at the front of the pack. Anna van der Breggen, riding for SD Worx-Protime, entered the final showdown as the favorite to take the overall victory.

But the Angliru is famous for producing upsets. In a surprising turn of events, Van der Breggen “hit the wall,” unable to maintain the pace required to defend her lead. This opened the door for Spain’s Paula Blasi of Team UAE ADQ. Blasi, a former athlete who has already tasted success at the Amstel Gold Race, delivered a powerhouse performance on home soil to seize the overall victory.

Van der Breggen ultimately finished second in the general classification. Despite the disappointment of losing the red jersey on the final day, Kopecky noted that her teammate should remain proud of the achievement, reflecting a strong collective showing for SD Worx-Protime throughout the week.

Analysis: The SD Worx-Protime Paradox

The Vuelta Femenina results present a fascinating paradox for the SD Worx-Protime squad. On one hand, they possess the points champion in Kopecky and the second-place overall finisher in Van der Breggen. On the other, they were outmaneuvered on the most decisive terrain of the race.

The team’s ability to place riders in multiple classifications shows their depth, but Blasi’s victory signals a shift in the competitive landscape. The rise of riders like Blasi, who can combine versatility with elite climbing, suggests that the gap between the dominant “super-teams” and the challengers is narrowing in specific terrains.

What This Means for the Season

For Lotte Kopecky, the green jersey is a testament to her consistency and sprinting prowess. However, her raw admission about the Angliru serves as a reminder of the physical limits of even the most decorated athletes. As the season progresses, the focus will shift back to the classics and flatter stages where Kopecky’s power is an unmatched weapon.

For Paula Blasi, this win is a massive statement. Winning a Vuelta is a career-defining achievement, and doing so by conquering the Angliru cements her status as one of the premier climbers in the women’s peloton.

The cycling world now looks toward the next set of checkpoints in the professional calendar, where the rivalry between the established powerhouses of SD Worx-Protime and the ascending UAE ADQ will undoubtedly continue.

For more updates on the women’s professional peloton and detailed race analysis, stay tuned to Archysport.

Do you think the Angliru is too brutal for a final stage, or is it the ultimate test of a champion? Let us know in the comments below.