“I haven't had any competition at the highest level for three weeks" - Lotte Kopecky hoping to re-find her racing legs at the Simac Ladies Tour

For the first time since being crowned road race world champion in Glasgow, Lotte Kopecky will be back in Women's World Tour action at the Simac Ladies Tour.

The Belgian star is hoping, the Simac Ladies Tour will help to re-find her racing legs ahead of the European Championships. “After the World Championships, I was able to relax," the Team SD Worx rider told Sporza prior to the start of the race. "I made time for other things, but I also continued to train. In terms of capabilities, everything is still in reasonable order."

Despite the fact she insists she remains at a high level, Kopecky admits that Simac Ladies Tour is being used as more of a part of her preparation.

“I haven't had any competition at the highest level for three weeks," she explains. "This stage race is a good final incentive, a test case with a view to the European Championships. I want to start the preparation for the European Championships here with ambition. But I would like to at least win a stage.”