Kopecky skipped "Olympic" trip to Asia: "It can only go wrong if completely hopeless countries still perform"

Kopecky skipped “Olympic” trip to Asia: “It can only go wrong if completely hopeless countries still perform”

Lotte Kopecky recently showcased once again why she is considered one of the greatest female cyclists on this planet (perhaps even the best). Second in Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, victory in Strade Bianche, victory in Nokere Koerse… The world champion’s performances were nothing short of impressive. After her commanding victory on the Nokereberg, she took the time to chat with the cycling press, including IDLProCyling.com, providing some interesting quotes…

The race in East Flanders was a perfect match for Kopecky, who, despite an early crash with teammate Lorena Wiebes, dominated the event. She went on the offensive multiple times and ultimately crossed the finish line solo. “We wanted to make the race tough, and I hoped a few others would go with me. That didn’t happen, so they told me from the car that I had to make the choice of what to do. I tried to keep the pace high for a while, but it was a bit too early. There’s no victory without risk,” she said of her impressive solo victory during the flash interview.

At the finish, there were many emotions, largely because her grandfather François was present. “It’s always nice to have family at the race, of course. But my grandparents have been following me since I was ten, attending almost every race at home and abroad. They are my best and biggest supporters,” she shared with this website, among others. It is also about a year ago now since her beloved brother Seppe had passed away.

Kopecky deliberately skipped Nations Cup track event in Hong Kong

At the time in Nokere, it was not yet entirely certain, but because we are writing this story with the gift of hindsight, we now know that Kopecky would eventually travel to Italy last weekend. There, she participated in the Trofeo Binda. She had to concede to Elisa Balsamo and settle for second place (not bad, of course). Her trip to Italy was still not a certainty three days earlier in Nokere. There, she had already mentioned skipping the Nations Cup track event in Hong Kong. Normally, the multiple world track champion could have made the trip to Asia to secure her selection for the Olympic Games in Paris. However, it had long been clear that her qualification could only theoretically slip away.

“My spot in the Olympic omnium in Paris is 99% certain,” she clarified on this matter. “A few countries that are completely unlikely to perform on paper would have to win the remaining Nations Cups to make it go wrong. So, it’s wise not to make the trip. Twelve hours flying for one omnium is a bit absurd.”

Therefore, a practically race-free week is up ahead for Kopecky, who will then compete in Gent-Wevelgem on Sunday. “Normally, I will fill this week with a few intense training sessions. Once Gent-Wevelgem is upon us, it’s mainly about racing and refreshing,” she explained her midweek schedule, before concluding with some quotes about the high expectations the public has of her. “Indeed, people expect me to this year again win all the races I won in the past years, but both the team and I know very well that such things don’t just happen. It’s anything but a guarantee.”