Will Kopecky take on new role after Vollering's departure (and Van der Breggen's arrival)? "I will never give up the Classics"
Women's Cycling
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Follow us on GoogleLotte Kopecky consecutively became world champion for the second time and received the Vélo d'Or for the second time. The Belgian top rider from SD Worx-Protime was again the woman to beat in the peloton, especially in the classics. But after her fourth place in the 2023 Tour de France, the GC remains an option, especially with the departure of Demi Vollering in mind.
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There may be more opportunities for Kopecky in the GC starting next year, but not at the expense of other races. "The classics are still the races I like the most," she tells L'Équipe. "That's the reason why I cycle. That is why I will never give them up, I think. But you can combine the classics and the summer. They are two different periods on the calendar."
After the transfer of Demi Vollering to FDJ-SUEZ, the absolute leading lady position is up for grabs, although the return of Anna van der Breggen is a new factor to consider. "Of course, I will climb and train more in the spring, but I don't think we will be at a disadvantage for races like Liège." This year, Kopecky finished only 38th there. She had more success in the Paris-Roubaix and the Strade Bianche, both of which she won.
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Lotte Kopecky became world champion in Zurich for the second time.
With La Primavera on the calendar, there is a new goal
So spring remains the main focus. What is so special about the spring classics? "I like the nature of those races, the changeable weather every week. I can stand the rain and cold well. I like short, explosive hills; there are a lot of them. Many races end in a sprint of a small group, which I'm also good at. I'm always very motivated for these kinds of races."
A new classic on the calendar is Milan-San Remo. There will be a female edition for the first time in 2025: on March 22, the ladies will have the opportunity to compete to be the first winner of La Primavera. Kopecky is already excited about it. "It's what we still have to talk about with the team. It's going to be a great race. The thing is, we just have to see how it fits into the calendar."
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Bram van der PloegEditor-in-chief
Bram van der Ploeg (35) is the proud founder of In de Leiderstrui, IDL Pro Cycling's parent site, launched in 2018. Finally, he could create stories about the sport he had followed since childhood. He is the editor-in-chief on paper, but prefers to be with his recorder next to a rider, a team bus, or in the mud at a cyclocross race. Every year, from February to the end of May, Bram follows the entire Italian cycling season, from the Trofeo Laigueglia to the Giro d'Italia, with the grand finale in October in Lombardy. During that time, he lives in Tuscany, where he has since come to call Italy his 'home'.
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Latest Comments
- - I’m still learning how cyclocross works: when he says he messed up the start at the Europeans, can a bad start really make that much difference?patriciaw14-11-2026
- - Love that he’s honest about the pressure. Hopefully he can carry this form through the winter.lindae14-11-2026
- - Beating different competition is the key now. Nys is already in the mix, and Van der Poel could make the next step a much tougher one.jennifer1914-11-2026
- - About time—Mason’s been knocking on the door for years. That Niel win could really open things up for him.cadencekingm14-11-2026
- I’m still learning how cyclocross works—does leading the Superprestige mean Mason is top of that race series, rather than the World Cup? Either way, winning in Belgium sounds like a massive result.cadencekingm13-11-2026
- Calling Onley a contender for an overall Tour win already feels a bit premature, especially after the injury setbacks. Still, the depth of talent is exciting.robert6513-11-2026
- Great to see Dickson’s route from triathlon to the WorldTour getting recognition. Scottish cycling has plenty to be proud of, and the 2027 Grand Départ could give the next generation a real lift.patriciaw13-11-2026
- The article makes a good case for clubs and small teams doing the groundwork, rather than one big development pipeline. Thornley’s Vuelta time trials were seriously impressive too; missing a stage win by two seconds is brutal.davidm13-11-2026
- Mason winning in Niel is huge—beating that kind of Belgian field in the mud takes serious class. The Kelvingrove World Cup could be an unforgettable homecoming.breakawaybikerd13-11-2026
- I’m not sure how WorldTour licences work—could these reports affect whether the team gets one next year, or is that decision based on other criteria?velodromevirtuoso113-11-2026