Lotte Kopecky hailed as "the best one-day rider in the world"

With her stunning solo victory at Sunday's Tour of Flanders, not only did Lotte Kopecky secure herself a second straight race win but also she proved she was the undisputed best one day rider in the world according to Ine Beyen.

Speaking with fellow Sporza commentator, Ruben Van Gucht, Beyen discusses Kopecky and her standing in women's cycling. "At the moment she certainly is," Beyen replies when asked if Kopecky is the best in the world. "Thanks to the arrival of Lorena Wiebes to SD Worx, she has also transformed into a different rider. Now she dares to take the initiative, she reads the race, ... She is no longer a sprinter. Thank you, Lorena Wiebes."

Comparing Kopecky's victory with her one from last year where the Belgian had to outsprint Annemiek Van Vleuten on the line, Beyen reveals she believes this year's arguably tops her prior success. "This time it was more expected, so the emotions are a little less. But that doesn't make it any less beautiful."

"It is more difficult to win as a top favorite than as a shadow favorite. Last year she had to follow, today she had to do it alone. That perhaps deserves even more respect," Beyen continues. "For the rest, the 'bad luck' factor will play a role. I don't think that the fact that Lotte is lighter now will affect her. She is made to ride over cobblestones."

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