Lotte Kopecky showcased her dominance in the women's Tour of Flanders by securing her record-breaking third victory, marking her first win while wearing the world champion's rainbow jersey. Despite a seven-minute gap by breakaway riders and pressure from competitors on tough climbs, Kopecky remained composed and confident. She clinched the win with a four-up sprint, displaying her strength and strategic awareness. Reflecting on her diverse victories, Kopecky emphasized how each win has offered unique challenges and memories, particularly cherishing the moment in the iconic white shorts of a world champion.
Kopecky's dominant ride delivered her to a record-breaking third win in the women's Tour of Flanders, and her first in the rainbow jersey, arguably even more symbolic than her victory in the Belgian national champion's kit. "This is a victory I'll remember for a long time," she said after the race.
Despite looking the strongest rider all day, it wasn't a big solo move that delivered Kopecky to the win, instead a four-up sprint to the line, but she was never worried about that situation.
Kopecky's variety of victories in Oudenaarde are testament to her prowess in this race. "All three of my Flanders wins were different. The first I partly owe to Chantal [van den Broek-Blaak]; that one was, in a way, the easiest."
Kopecky directly addressed her racing strategy, saying, "I had confidence in my finish. I knew Liane Lippert was fast, but I couldn't really judge Pauline Ferrand-Prévot. I did expect a late attack from Kasia Niewiadoma, but that never came. So I believed in my sprint and went all in.
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