"Axel knows what cycling entails": Lotte Kopecky hopes to return to her winning way with new-found stability

Team SD Worx - Protime will once again draw the eyes of fans and rivals alike in 2026 thanks to their standout outfits, as if their extra-orbitary performances weren't enough of an attention-drawer. Lorena Wiebes is nearly certain to triumph a lot in the new colours, but how about Lotte Kopecky? 2025 was far from her year, will 2026 be different?

On the press day, the former world champion assured that she was "really looking forward to the new season". "I had a long and slow preparation because of that injury at the end of last season. As a result, I didn't have much real vacation or rest. I only went away for three days on a ski holiday between Christmas and New Year's. This was to clear my head and start the preparations with full enthusiasm."

Last season, Kopecky, who was primarily focused on the Tour, had a year so difficult that she barely even made it to the Grande Boucle in a shape good enough to be merely of assistance to sprinter Wiebes and substitute GC leader Anna van der Breggen. Afterwards, she took a month off races to return with a stage win in Ardeche. The excitement only lasted briefly as her season ended in yet another crash day later.

"Last season I never felt like I was in top condition. It was a frustrating year. Although it wasn't one to forget either. I won the Tour of Flanders – not many can say that. Anyway, I'm trying to take as much as possible from it, but to leave the negative behind me."

And so Kopecky will once again focus on what she loves most: the classics. "I know I shouldn't be thinking about the Tour now, as long as the course doesn't suit me. I'm happy to be able to focus on what I'm good at again. My heart belongs to the spring, the classics like the Tour of Flanders. I'd love to win that race this season, even though it's already on my list of achievements three times."

With Lorena Wiebes, Kopecky will have a strong competitor from within its own ranks. "But we have a good understanding," the Belgian emphasizes that there is no bad blood between the two stars as might have been the case in the past when fellow superstar Demi Vollering was part of the team.

"Two years ago, we both had a fantastic year. We've already proven in the past that we can 'sort' things out between ourselves. I'm sure we'll manage this time as well, in the races we both can win."

Finally, one more topic surrounding Kopecky that dominated the headlines around New Year: her relationship with former successful rider Axel Merckx, son of the legendary 'Cannibal' Eddie. The 30-year-old called her new partner "someone I can rely on" in a recent interview with Sporza.

Does that give Kopecky extra wings? "Being happy is a nice feeling for everyone. (laughs) I don't really know what to say about it. We're very happy together. Axel also knows what cycling entails and what it takes. He knows the life that needs to be lived. In that respect, we're on the same page."