Lotte Kopecky Sees Chloe Dygert as Favourite for World Time Trial Glory

Lotte Kopecky is riding high after her recent triumph at the European Time Trial Championships, but as she gears up for the World Championships, she’s clear about one thing: Chloe Dygert is the rider to beat.

At 28, Kopecky is the reigning world road race champion and secured a bronze medal in the road race at the 2024 Paris Olympics, but the upcoming Women’s Time Trial at the World Championships in Zurich presents a new challenge. The 29.9 km course, which starts in Gossau and ends in Zurich, is not just a scenic route along Lake Zurich but also a challenging one, with over 300 meters of elevation gain. The relatively flat profile will favour powerful riders, and Kopecky believes Dygert’s strength makes her the clear favourite.

Chloe Dygert, the reigning time trial world champion, will be defending her title on this course. With her renowned time trial ability and physical power, Dygert is expected to dominate the flat terrain and tackle the 2.4 km climb to Uetikon am See with equal finesse. However, competition is fierce, and riders like Kopecky are not to be overlooked.

In an interview with Cyclingnews, Kopecky shared her thoughts ahead of the World Championships. “The European Championship was important for me,” she reflected. “The time trial at the Paris Games felt good despite my fall, and the European Championships confirmed my progression. I hope it continues at the World Championships.”

“A climb in a big time trial is something new to me, but it’s not a disadvantage,” Kopecky said, referring to the slight ascent in the route.

Kopecky has been focusing intensely on time trial training over the past few months, and it’s starting to pay off. “I have never been on my time trial bike as much as in the past few months. I am starting to enjoy it more and more,” she revealed. Despite her growing confidence, Kopecky remains humble, acknowledging that her rivals will be tough to beat.

“I’m not the favourite; I think the world title will go to Chloé Dygert, who can also ride well on the climb, or maybe Grace Brown, too. I include Demi Vollering among the podium candidates but hope to be amongst them, too.”

Kopecky has set her sights on a podium finish, admitting that while she may not be the top contender, her recent European Championship win has given her hope. “I’d be very happy with a podium place, that’s what I’ve set my sights on, but the recent European Championship gave me confidence. I think a podium is definitely possible if I have a super day.”

As the world watches the time trial unfold in Zurich, Kopecky’s form and skill could see her spring a surprise — but even she knows that the path to victory runs through Chloe Dygert.