"Lotte Kopecky reflects with a smile after European Championships: "now I remember what I don't like about it"

Lotte Kopecky secured a commendable fifth place finish on Wednesday at the European Time Trial Championships in Drenthe, Netherlands. The Belgian cyclist, who usually rides for SD Worx, aimed to contend for a medal in the northern Netherlands, despite time trials not being her preferred discipline. Following her performance, she shared her experience.

"It's difficult to put into words, but it was the most challenging task I've ever undertaken," Kopecky confessed, catching her breath just moments after finishing on the Drenthe asphalt. "I now also have a better understanding of what I don't enjoy about it." Nevertheless, the reigning world road champion was determined to participate in Drenthe after her victory in the seven-kilometer time trial at the Simac Ladies Tour earlier this month."

Interestingly, Kopecky lost a bit more time in the early stages of the time trial, ultimately finishing fourth in the lineup behind Anna Henderson, Christina Schweinberger, and Audrey Cordon-Ragot. "I started cautiously, that's why I was a bit slower in the beginning. The headwind was a challenge at the start, and I had to push myself a bit beyond my limit. However, it wasn't to the extent that I came to a standstill," Kopecky honestly explained during her post-race analysis.

"I tried to plan my effort carefully, but I've never competed in such a long time trial before," said Kopecky, choosing her words thoughtfully when asked about her future ambitions in time trials. "I believe we need to thoroughly analyze this performance before making any hasty decisions. We'll assess what the future holds, but I'm already content that I participated, and I'm eagerly anticipating the further analysis," stated the versatile cyclist from SD Worx.