“I trust that she will support me" - Kopecky the super-domestique expecting Wiebes to return the favour?
Cycling
Double world champion Lotte Kopecky once again proved her value as a teammate at Gent Wevelgem on Sunday, sacrificing her own chances to set up victory for teammate Lorena Wiebes. It was a selfless act, and a familiar one for Kopecky, who executed a monstrous lead-out in the final moments of the race.
“It was very chaotic at the end,” Kopecky said to Sporza. “I was not comfortable and just tried to keep the pace as high as possible. I hoped that Lorena would not have to go too early. And it was a tailwind, you know,” she chuckled.
With Kopecky drilling the pace, Wiebes was launched perfectly to the line, claiming the win after Kopecky had already assessed that the breakaway was doomed due to a lack of collaboration.
“It was clear very quickly that Elisa Longo Borghini didn't want to ride full speed and Chloé Dygert also got stuck there for a while,” she explained. “If you don't work together straight away, you know it's going to be difficult.”
That moment of hesitation in the breakaway sealed her decision. Without complaint, she flipped her role, from leader to lead-out.
“I was given a chance and it didn't work out. I have no problem turning the switch,” Kopecky said. “Something like that happens automatically. I am happy with Lorena's victory. If I don't get away, it's my own fault and I know that Lorena's card will be drawn.”
While many expected Kopecky to fight for victory herself, her post-race comments hinted at both pragmatism and a quiet confidence that her own chances will come soon enough.
“Will Lorena's return service come in the Tour of Flanders? It's not that I'm saying it has to be done then or then,” she sighed, slightly irritated. “I trust that she will support me.”
“That return favor? Something like that follows automatically,” Kopecky shrugged.
Despite disappointment at not taking the win herself, there’s no bitterness. Kopecky remains a team player, and believes the time will come when the dynamic flips in her favour.
“There are still many beautiful races to come and there will definitely be moments when this comes back,” she said.
And heading into the business end of the spring, she’s optimistic about her form.
“I felt better than last week in Sanremo,” Kopecky concluded with optimism. “I hope I can continue that trend and then I think I'll be ready.”
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