"This is also a very emotional moment for me. We've come a long way" - Belgian coach reacts to Lotte Kopecky's brilliant World Championships victory

Lotte Kopecky highlighted a sensational season for herself in 2023 with her career's first World Championships road race victory in brilliant fashion. For Belgian coach Ludwig Willems it was an emotional moment.

"I was also a bit afraid that the team interest was going to play a part but that has absolutely not happened," Willems said in a post-race discussion with Sporza, referencing the Team SD Worx dynamic that involved Kopecky but also the likes of Demi Vollering (2nd) and Marlen Reusser (4th) as well.

"Vollering, Reusser and Kopecky raced hard against each other. That makes the victory even better," explains Willems. "Everyone looked at Lotte. She didn't immediately get free in the finale, but she remained calm. Together with Justine Ghekiere, she continued to take the initiative and in the final she forced the chances herself."

"This is also a very emotional moment for me. We've come a long way," Willems concludes. "The base has become wider and wider. Only the cherry was missing."