"The others want a world title too" - An internal conflict in Dutch team could play into Lotte Kopecky's hands on Saturday

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."