"The others want a world title too" - An internal conflict in Dutch team could play into Lotte Kopecky's hands on Saturday
Cycling
The Netherlands, with Demi Vollering in its ranks start as overwhelming favourites in the Women's elite road race on Saturday. Lotte Kopecky, Vollering's trade teammate, will be defending her world title in Zurich. The Belgian cyclist believes a clash of intentions within Dutch team could benefit riders such as herself.
During a press conference, Kopecky confirms she had already explored the course earlier this week. "When we stopped halfway, I told Ludwig that it wasn't that hard after all. The focus is on the first part of the course, where the highest point is. After that, there is quite a lot of twisting and turning, with some short, steep slopes. I expected it to be harder, but after the race we'll think differently about that."
The junior women's race already took place on Thursday, where - just like in the men's event - the race blew open after the peloton entered the Zurich circuit. The U23 men's race was already more controlled, but the riders still arrived one by one. "Junior races are quite different from ours," Kopecky nores of the tactical aspect of the women elite's race. "There it is often a race from start to finish. It is a course where team tactics can be used."
How are they going to do that with the Belgians? "This race on this course is difficult to control, but we will see in the race how we are going to tackle it exactly."
Of course, they have to take into account the strong Dutch team, which Kopecky eagerly joins in on. "They have a very strong selection, but it has already been shown several times that they do not always get along well. If you look at the team now, you can also see that there is one clear leader on paper, but that there are other ladies who are eyeing the world title. These are things that we, and other countries, can benefit from."
On Saturday, Pauline Ferrand-Prévot will be another unknown factor. "What should I expect from her? I have no idea, actually. It's been a while since she raced on the road. Her level will be incredibly high, but the question is whether she has the stamina. I don't fear that, because she's just one of the many favorites that we have to take into account."
Ondrej ZhasilCycling Journalist
Ondřej Zhasil is a cycling journalist at CyclingUpToDate and has been part of the team since 2023. He is based in Ostrava, the third-largest city in the Czech Republic, and covers professional cycling across the main UCI competitions, including the Tour de France, the Giro d’Italia, and La Vuelta a España. A key focus of his work is startlist analysis and pre-race coverage, where he examines team selections, rider line-ups, and tactical scenarios ahead of major events.
Alongside WorldTour coverage, Ondřej has developed specific expertise in junior cycling and in racing across East Asia, including competitions in China and Japan. He also maintains a broad working knowledge of other disciplines and levels, including cyclocross, while continuing to expand his understanding of mountain bike racing.
Ondřej holds a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and Physics, which supports his analytical, data-driven approach to performance and race analysis. In his reporting, he regularly uses ProCyclingStats for results, statistics, and historical context. He places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available.
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- big rival … ridiculous.Ketterechts07-11-2026
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MarkFour07-11-2026 - This is a really interesting idea, which, if well prepared could even be very successful. Very little money needs to be involved for a first season and any success could lead to rapid interest from sponsors.Jumpyjohn07-11-2026
- Hmmm, you seem to have a very convenient black and white view of things. Perhaps you haven’t been around much to discover how complex problems can become over time with people who know how to control, manipulate (or worse) others so gradually or subtly that you arrive at an irresolvable situation before you realise. This is how many inconveniences get introduced to the young, naïve, passionate or “desperate”, knowing they are not armed, protected or strong enough to defend themselves once it’s too late. Why do you think omerta culture is so widespread, why do you think so many people continue to go through so many awful things in life that others can’t understand anyone getting into? Life may be far more jolly for you but you would do well to understand (or reflect more on) the real world to refrain from being so quick to criticise those in a hard spot that may have genuine reason for speaking out.Jumpyjohn07-11-2026
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- So gracious to offer something no-one would be prepared to pay for. The Giro is not the Tour and doesn’t command the same interest or attract the same “elite” (those willing to pay to be a part of something they consider has ego boosting potential). Roadside viewing will always largely remain free for everyone outside circuits. Introduction of a symbolic entrance to mountain climbs is worthy of exploration. Asking 1-2€ isn’t going to repulse real fans (most will spend 50-100€ on their outing that day all things included) but will prevent a portion of the total knobhead thrillseekers who will join in any large gathering as long as it’s free, just because they’re attracted to crowds, without which it it difficult for them to work up their anti-social behaviour.Jumpyjohn07-11-2026
- How is radio going to help when someone went over a cliff or bridge or off the roadside into a forest unnoticed and is laying there unconscious?Jumpyjohn07-11-2026
- Yep, next we’ll be accusing F1 drivers of avoiding Le Mans.Jumpyjohn07-11-2026
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