Kopecky Eyes Strade Bianche Victory Despite Omloop Het Nieuwsblad Setback
Siena, Italy – Lotte Kopecky is looking to rebound from a mechanical issue at Omloop Het Nieuwsblad and contend for a third victory at the Strade Bianche Women race on Sunday. The race will feature a challenging course and a stacked field of competitors, including Demi Vollering, Pauline Ferrand-Prévot, and Elisa Longo Borghini.
Kopecky, a former world champion, remains optimistic about her form despite the difficulties she faced last weekend. She will have support from teammate Anna van der Breggen as she navigates the 133km course, which includes 11 challenging sterrato (gravel) sectors. The course conditions, with potential wet areas, could add another layer of difficulty for the riders.
The Strade Bianche Women’s race has already honored cycling greats Fabian Cancellara and Tadej Pogačar with named sections of the sterrato, and this year’s event could spot a third rider added to that list.
Kopecky and Vollering, former SD Worx-Protime teammates, are both aiming for their third win in the event. “Every top rider is on the starting line, so it’s going to be incredibly tough. If you can still win, it makes it even more special,” Kopecky told Nieuwsblad on Thursday after a course reconnaissance.
At Omloop Het Nieuwsblad on February 28, 2026, Kopecky experienced a mechanical issue when another rider crashed into her derailleur just before the crucial Muur van Geraardsbergen climb. She was forced to change bikes, ultimately finishing 39th, 1:31 behind winner Demi Vollering (FDJ United-Suez) and runner-up Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney (Canyon-SRAM zondacrypto). “I never came back,” Kopecky said, adding, “If you’re not in position on the Muur, then your race is over.”
Despite the setback, teammate Lorena Wiebes secured third place in the sprint of the chase group. The SD Worx-Protime and FDJ United-SUEZ rivalry continues to be a prominent storyline in the women’s peloton.
The Strade Bianche Women promises a thrilling contest as the world’s top cyclists battle it out on the iconic white roads of Tuscany. Cyclingnews will provide comprehensive coverage of the Spring Classics season.
