"Ultimately, this only made us stronger as a duo" - Demi Vollering recalls battle with Lotte Kopecky at 2023 Strade Bianche Donne
Cycling
Team SD Worx-Protime were such a dominant force within women's cycling in 2023 that they were often left to battle it amongst themselves for the win. This was the case at Strade Bianche Donne as Demi Vollering and Lotte Kopecky went head-to-head for the victory.
“It was a loaded victory. One that I am proud of," Vollering recalls of her victory last year ahead of her teammate Kopecky, and more than two minutes clear of anyone else in the race, in conversation with her team's official website. "Strade Bianche gave me a boost and the confidence I needed."
"It was a very crazy race," the 27-year-old reflects. "On the one hand because of that horse that suddenly ran in front of me on the course, but also because of the sprint with Lotte. Ultimately, this only made us stronger as a duo. What I appreciate about her is her fighting spirit. The sprint in the Strade made me realize that I also have that in me.”
So, as she prepares for a return to the Italian one-day race, is Vollering confident of replicating her feat? “Everyone starts from scratch again. We should not make comparisons with last year,” she says coolly. “The goal remains the same: to improve myself and try to be the best. In the Strade Bianche, SD Worx -Protime will be looking for the first classic victory of 2024. In Omloop Het Nieuwsblad we just missed it.”
Kieran WoodDeputy Editor-in-Chief
Kieran Wood is a sports journalist based in Wales and has been active in journalism since 2022. He regularly contributes to DartsNews.com and CyclingUpToDate.com, where he covers professional cycling and darts. In cycling, his work includes liveblogs from major races, including the Tour de France, the Giro d’Italia, and La Vuelta a España, alongside race reports and analysis. He has also conducted interviews with professional riders.
His reporting spans the full racing calendar, from one-day classics to stage races, with a focus on accurate, real-time coverage and clear contextual analysis. For statistics, results, and historical context, he regularly uses resources such as ProCyclingStats. To support reporting on rider activity and training context where relevant, he also references Strava.
In his work, Kieran places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles as new, verified information becomes available.
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An epic battle between teammates 💥🤩 Relive an unforgettable finale of Strade Bianche Donne 2023 as Demi Vollering beat her teammate, and former champion, Lotte Kopecky in a nail-biting finish 😍 _________________________ 🇮🇹 #StradeBiancheDonne
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