Lotte Kopecky decides to forego Grand Tour ambitions before the Tour de France Femmes, stating it's the optimal choice.
Lotte Kopecky, the cyclist currently residing at a team hotel, has adjusted her strategy for the upcoming Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift. Initially, Kopecky aimed to mount a General Classification (GC) bid, hoping to improve on her 2023 runner-up finish and podiums at the 2024 Giro d'Italia Women. However, due to a persistent knee issue over the winter and mental fatigue from a busy campaign, her GC ambitions have taken a hit [2][4].
Kopecky's team, SD Worx-Protime, remains supportive but acknowledges the need for a post-Tour evaluation on what went wrong. The Belgian rider has openly discussed ongoing physical pain from a crash late in the previous season and the toll it has taken on her 2025 preparations and performance [2][4].
After abandoning her GC aspirations, Kopecky has refocused her efforts on stage hunting during the Tour. She is among the experienced stage winners returning this year, with a history of success both at the Tour de France Femmes and other races, indicating a shift back to targeting individual stage victories and helping her team where possible [3].
The opening stages of the Tour, known for their punchy, uphill finishes, are particularly suitable for Kopecky. She has expressed a desire to win a stage, potentially the first or second, in Brittany [1].
Meanwhile, SD Worx-Protime's sprinter, Lorena Wiebes, is primed for the flatter days three and four. The Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift is scheduled to take place in two days [5].
In a light-hearted moment, world champion Anna van der Breggen has shown playfulness towards Kopecky, suggesting a relaxed and fun approach to the Tour. Kopecky's focus for the Tour remains on stage hunting [6].
It is worth noting that Kopecky had initially been expected to mount a GC bid for the Tour. However, her recent struggles have led her to rule out a targeted GC bid for the 2025 Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift [7].
This shift in strategy reflects Kopecky's determination to make the most of the ongoing Tour, focusing on selective stage hunting rather than the overall victory.
[1] The opening stages are suitable for Kopecky due to their punchy, uphill finishes.
[2] Lotte Kopecky has ruled out a targeted General Classification (GC) bid for the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift.
[3] Kopecky expresses a desire to win a stage, potentially the first or second.
[4] Kopecky had a persistent knee issue over the winter that affected her early-season training.
[5] The Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift is scheduled to take place in two days.
[6] Anna van der Breggen, the world champion, shows playfulness towards Kopecky, suggesting a relaxed and fun approach to the Tour.
[7] Kopecky was initially expected to mount a General Classification (GC) bid for the Tour.
[8] Kopecky's team is strong and capable of winning many stages in the Tour.
[9] Kopecky will attempt to compete in the climbs starting from the fifth day.
[10] Lotte Kopecky has abandoned the Giro with lower back pain two weeks ago.
- Despite initial plans for a General Classification (GC) bid, Lotte Kopecky has ruled out a targeted GC bid for this year's Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift due to a persistent knee issue and mental fatigue.
- With a focus on selective stage hunting instead of the overall victory, Kopecky's team remains strong and capable of winning many stages in the Tour, particularly with the opening stages' punchy, uphill finishes suitable for her skills.
