As such, confidence is high of a positive season opener. "What I expect from Milano-Sanremo? First of all, I want to say that it is really an asset to have this race added to the calendar," Kopecky continues, referencing the fact this is the first women's edition of the iconic race in a generation. "Estimating how the race will go is therefore extra difficult. Anyway, I think the course is successful. Some say the number of kilometres could have been higher, but I don't agree. Whether the course was 200 kilometres, or like now 160: the difference will definitely be made. For such a first Milano-Sanremo, I think it's okay for now. This is a nice distance to start with."
"I have already explored the Cipressa and Poggio. The wind will play an important role on Saturday. Everyone also starts from the scenarios in the men's race when trying to estimate how things will go in the women's," adds Kopecky. "But it remains to be seen how the climbs will be approached. And the downhill will also be important. I myself am quite a good descender."
Whilst as mentioned, she herself will start as the pre-race favourite, Kopecky is by no means the only candidate for victory on the startlist, something the Belgian is keen to point out. "I think we can rely on our own strength in the first place. We have a strong team at the start with riders who are in good shape. With
Lorena Wiebes, we have another good card to play for the win," acknowledges the 29-year-old, before attempting to put the pressure on her rivals. "Demi Vollering,
Elisa Longo Borghini,
Marianne Vos and
Puck Pieterse are the main names that can be written down as favourites."
"In any case, it remains to be seen what feeling I will have in the race on Saturday. That's always the case with a first race. I come back from altitude training, so it remains to be seen whether I react to that stimulus straight away or not. But as I said: I am very much looking forward to it," Kopecky concludes her preview. "I am starting later this season because I wanted to be good in the Ardennes classics. I hope by racing a bit later, I can continue the form until Liège-Bastogne-Liège."