Green Glory, Mountain Misery: Lotte Kopecky Secures Points Jersey Despite Angliru Struggle

In the world of professional cycling, success is rarely a linear experience. For Belgian star Lotte Kopecky, the conclusion of the Vuelta Femenina served as a stark reminder of that reality. On one hand, Kopecky achieved her primary objective, securing the prestigious green points jersey. On the other, she faced one of the most brutal climbs in the sport, describing the experience in no uncertain terms.

The climax of the race centered on the legendary Alto de l’Angliru, a climb that has broken the spirits of countless riders over the decades. While Kopecky walked away with the points classification, the physical and mental toll of the ascent left her visibly shaken, calling the effort “terrible” in post-race interviews.

The Brutality of the Angliru

The Alto de l’Angliru is not merely a mountain; it is a psychological battleground. Stretching 12 kilometers with an average gradient exceeding 10%, the climb is renowned for its “unforgiving” nature. For a rider like Kopecky, whose strengths often lie in power and sprinting rather than pure high-altitude climbing, the Angliru represents the antithesis of her ideal terrain.

The results of the stage reflected this disparity. While Petra Stiasny claimed the stage victory, Kopecky crossed the finish line in 54th place, arriving approximately 20 minutes after Stiasny. For a world-class athlete accustomed to fighting for the podium, such a gap is a humbling experience.

Speaking with Sporza after the stage, Kopecky didn’t mince words about the ascent: “It was just terrible.” The Belgian rider expressed profound admiration for the climbers who are able to fight for the general classification on such steep gradients, acknowledging the sheer physiological demand required to maintain pace on the Angliru’s steepest ramps.

Tactical Success Amidst Physical Pain

Despite the struggle on the final climb, Kopecky’s performance in the Vuelta Femenina was a masterclass in tactical prioritization. Entering the final stages, her focus was not on the overall victory (the General Classification), but on the green points jersey. This required a calculated approach: surviving the mountains while maximizing gains during the flat and rolling sections.

Kopecky entered the final phase with an 11-point lead over her closest rival, Franziska Koch. By successfully navigating the critical intermediate sprints, she effectively neutralized Koch’s threat. While the Angliru demanded a heavy price, her strategic management of the points race ensured that the green jersey would return to Belgium.

This “survival mode” is a common strategy for sprinters and classics specialists in Grand Tour-style races. By identifying the minimum requirement to maintain their lead and focusing their energy on specific targets, they can secure a jersey victory even if they lose significant time on the summit finishes.

General Classification Shakeup: Blasi’s Ascent

While Kopecky fought for points, the battle for the red jersey saw a dramatic reversal of fortune. The stage began as a defensive effort by Anna van der Breggen, who sought to protect her lead. However, the Angliru proved too much for the veteran. Van der Breggen suffered a significant collapse on the final climb, opening the door for a new leader.

Paula Blasi capitalized on the situation with precision. The former athlete demonstrated superior climbing form, utilizing the steep gradients to distance her rivals and secure the overall victory in the Vuelta. Blasi’s win marks a significant milestone in her career, following her previous success at the Amstel Gold Race.

A Pattern of Resilience

Kopecky’s ability to push through the “terrible” experience on the Angliru follows a season defined by both triumph and adversity. Only a few months prior, in September 2025, Kopecky faced a heartbreaking exit from the Tour de l’Ardèche. A series of crashes—including one during a recovery training session that required seven stitches in her knee—forced her to abandon the race while wearing the rainbow jersey.

That period was marked by immense frustration and physical pain, yet her return to form for the Vuelta Femenina demonstrates the resilience that has made her a mainstay at the top of the women’s peloton. The transition from the “terrible pain” of the Ardèche crashes to the “terrible” effort of the Angliru shows a rider who is willing to suffer in pursuit of her goals.

Looking Ahead: Summer Objectives

With the Vuelta concluded and the green jersey secured, Kopecky’s immediate priority is recovery. The physical toll of the Angliru, combined with the cumulative fatigue of the race, has left the 30-year-old Rumst native in need of a hiatus.

Kopecky has indicated that she will take a period of structured rest before pivoting her training toward her primary summer goals. For a rider of her caliber, this recovery phase is critical to ensure peak performance for the upcoming championships and one-day classics where her explosive power is most effective.

For the global cycling community, Kopecky’s performance in the Vuelta serves as a reminder that the “strongest” rider isn’t always the one who wins the stage, but the one who manages their goals with the most precision. She may have “seen stars” on the Angliru, but she leaves Spain with the jersey that proves her dominance in the points chase.

Next Checkpoint: Lotte Kopecky is expected to enter a recovery block before announcing her start list for the summer racing calendar. Stay tuned to Archysport for updates on her preparation for the upcoming World Championships.

Do you think the Angliru is too brutal for the modern women’s peloton, or is it a necessary test of champions? Let us know in the comments below.