“This is a dream come true" - Emotional Lotte Kopecky over the moon with World Championships victory

In the form of her life, Lotte Kopecky lived up to the billing of pre-race favourite to take a stunning victory in the women's elite World Championships road race in Glasgow.

“It has been a fantastic year, but also a very tough year. I don't know what kept me pushing," the Belgian said in her post-race interview, referring to the mixed emotions throughout the year of unrivalled success on the bike and the tragic passing of her brother. “This is a dream come true. I will enjoy riding in the rainbow jersey next year.”

On a thrilling day of racing, Kopecky made her race-winning attack with around 5km to go, riding clear from an elite seven-rider group that contained illustrious names such as her Team SD Worx teammate, Demi Vollering. “I wasn't nervous before the race, but when Elise Chabbey had a minute and a half, I was. I really have to thank Sanne Cant and Justine Ghekiere," says Kopecky. "They did a very good job in the local circuit. So Chabbey didn't ride too far away. I also have to thank my other teammates. We have now shown that as a country we can also win big races.”

“After the two world titles on track I thought it was going to be almost impossible to win today. I thought it was not possible to become world champion three times in seven days. This is unbelievable,” concludes an emotional Kopecky.