Lotte Kopecky, a cyclist set on winning a gold medal at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, is gearing up for the Giro d’Italia after her victory in the Tour de France in 2023. However, her participation in this year’s Tour remains uncertain, with Sports Manager Danny Stam stating that they are waiting to see if injured riders will recover in time for the event. Kopecky’s main focus is on the Omnium at the Paris Olympics, so it is crucial for her to carefully manage her schedule leading up to the Games. The Giro, taking place just three weeks before the Olympics, presents an attractive opportunity for Kopecky to compete and improve her stage wins ahead of the major event.
Stam revealed that they will discuss Kopecky’s potential participation in the Tour de France after the Liege-Bastogne-Liege Femmes event on April 21, which Kopecky is set to take part in. With the Tour de France being so close to the Olympics this year, Kopecky is hesitant about committing to the race, as she aims to peak at the Olympics. The pressure of being a world champion has not deterred Kopecky, who has already achieved victories in races like Strade Bianche and Paris-Roubaix. Stam emphasized that Kopecky will play a significant role in supporting teammate Demi as they target success at the Ardennes.
Despite being a shadow leading lady behind Demi in the Ardennes, Kopecky is expected to make a significant impact in events like the Liege-Bastogne-Liege Femmes. Stam stressed that Kopecky’s performance will not be solely dependent on the course but also on her mental and physical freshness after a busy spring schedule. With key races like the Tour of Flanders and Roubaix on her resume, Kopecky will need to ensure she conserves enough energy for the upcoming events. As fans anticipate her next moves, Kopecky’s success in recent races indicates a promising campaign leading up to the Olympics.
The Giro d’Italia, scheduled from July 7-14, offers Kopecky an opportunity to fine-tune her skills and potentially secure additional stage wins before the Olympics. Stam expressed hope that Kopecky can achieve victory in the Ardennes races alongside Demi and continue her successful season. Regardless of the outcome, Kopecky’s focus on the Paris Olympics and her determination to excel in the Omnium event indicate her long-term goals and ambitions in the cycling world. Fans can catch all the exciting cycling action, including the Giro d’Italia, Tour de France, and Vuelta a Espana, live and on-demand on Eurosport, the Eurosport app, and discovery+.
