"Lotte, aim higher than what you think you can do" - Jan Bakelants suggests only sky is the limit for Lotte Kopecky

In the newest episode of 'Wuyts & Vlaeminck', cycling analyst Michel Wuyts and former pro Jan Bakelants look back on the past successful week for the Belgians. But naturally Lotte Kopecky's strong start to the season has not escaped their notice either. The world champion not only won the final classification in the UAE Tour. She also won the tough stage with the climb of the Jebel Hafeet.

"During that climb, Kopecky probably made a roundup of how she still felt after every 500 meters uphill. That must have been a fascinating journey of self-discovery. The fact that she actually won that stage is impressive. She has clearly taken a big step in climbing. This victory does not mean that Kopecky will suddenly also win the Tour de France," Wuyts thinks.

Read also

“I’m 34 not 24" - Primoz Roglic admits feeling of time running out for Tour de France win was key in Visma departure

But Jan Bakelants does not agree with that. "If Lotte wants it, she is the top favorite to win the Tour de France together with Demi Vollering. Kopecky was second in the Tour last year. She has clearly taken a big step in climbing. Impressive even. I have the increasing impression that we have not seen the last of Lotte."

Bakelants gives Kopecky one piece of advice. "Lotte, aim higher than what you think you can do because it could become reality."

Read also

Remco Evenepoel and Mathieu van der Poel link up again for near 100km training ride in Spain

"If there is one man who does not qualify for that curse, it is Mathieu van der Poel" - No chance of Rainbow Jersey curse striking in 2024 believes Jose de Cauwer