Lotte Kopecky Disappointed After World Championship Time Trial: “I Was Riding Far Below My Level”

Lotte Kopecky found herself disappointed after finishing fifth in the World Championship Time Trial in Zurich. Despite being one of the pre-race favourites for gold, the Belgian star crossed the line 1 minute and 39 seconds behind the winner, settling for fifth place.

Kopecky, who had been widely tipped as a podium contender after winning the European title in Hasselt last week, struggled with nausea after the race, opting not to stop for interviews immediately after finishing. In a race that saw some of the world's top cyclists competing for the rainbow stripes, Kopecky found herself off the pace from the start.

The race was won by Australian Olympic and World Champion Grace Brown, who is set to retire at the end of this season. Brown’s victory caps a stellar career, adding another title to her already impressive palmarès. Demi Vollering finished in second, while defending champion Chloe Dygert completed the podium in third, nearly a minute behind the Australian.

Speaking to Sporza after the race, Kopecky was candid about her struggles: “There was nothing more in it. I started carefully, but was already at my limit from the start. I already felt that I could not do a good time. My race plan was to build in reserves until the foot of the first climb, but that was actually not possible. I was riding far below my level.”

Kopecky is already looking ahead to the road race later this week. "I just wasn't good enough. But it is what it is. Now I'll normally train hard for two more days and then I hope to be fresh for the road race on Saturday," she added.

As she shifts her focus to the road race, Kopecky will be aiming to bounce back and prove herself once again on the world stage.