Patrick Lefevere after negotiations with Lotte Kopecky: "I do not believe that Lotte has reached the end of her contract"

Patrick Lefevere surprised with a comment about Lotte Kopecky during the team presentation of AG Insurance - Soudal on Thursday. The team boss pointed out that, despite officially having no contract for 2024, the World Champion is already decided on where she will spend her next season(s).

"I do not believe that Lotte has reached the end of her contract," says Lefevere at Het Nieuwsblad, when confronted with Kopecky's expiring contract at SD Worx - Protime.

For her to join the AG Insurance - Soudal would be a dream scenario for Lefevere. "It was a goal to get Lotte to join our team," he agrees. Used to be. Because according to him, Kopecky already knows what her future will look like after 2024. "Do I know more? Yes, I think I know more. But as a rider you are always at the end of your contract."

Dries Smets, Kopecky's agent, was quick to qualify Lefevere's statements. "Lotte has still not signed a contract for next season and is therefore still free. And almost every team in the women's peloton has already inquired," he emphasizes.