“I already know what it is like to become world champion on the track and it is a dream to become one on the road" - Lotte Kopecky may skip Tour de France to focus on World Championships

The reigning Belgian womens' national road race champion, Lotte Kopecky has revealed that she is still unsure as to whether or not she will test herself against the best in the world at the Tour de France Femmes later this year.

“For the time being, I will first focus on the European Track Championships and the classic spring. After that, we'll see what the rest of the year looks like," she clarifies on a video call with the press. "The Tour de France could be a very good preparation race for the road race, but because I also do the track, we are still looking at what would be the best program for me towards the World Cup: Giro and Tour or just the Tour or just the Giro. That's not 100 percent sure yet."

One thing front and centre in Kopecky's mind is the World Championships both on the track and ensuring her qualification for the 2024 Olympics. “I already know what it is like to become world champion on the track and it is a dream to become one on the road. Last year I was very close and I'm still a little disappointed about that. But it makes me even hungrier to wear the rainbow jersey in the future.”

“I will start with the European Track Cycling Championships in Grenchen," Kopecky continues. "After that I will focus on the classic spring. Then I will ride the Madison with Shari Bossuyt at the Track Nations Cup in Canada and then the Track World Championships await just before the World Championship road race. All of that won't take too much energy, but we will be able to get enough points to qualify for the Olympic Games.”