There are quite a lot of calls for on the brand new world champion. Limitless media duties, tv from all around the world, the rostrum, one other press convention, signing rainbow jerseys, getting stopped for autographs and selfies, and even somebody accosting you to affix a video name on their cellphone. It does not finish.
Lotte Kopecky is used to this although, as one of the best feminine rider on the earth, and as somebody who has already gained the World Championships. It does not appear to faze her, she is aware of the drill. After her highly effective assault to win the title in Glasgow final 12 months, this time across the Belgian stored her powder dry, adopted the fitting strikes, after which launched her victorious dash on the proper time to defend the bands.
Maybe surprisingly, it is not that uncommon in elite ladies’s biking for the World Championships highway race title to be defended by one rider. It has occurred 9 instances within the race’s historical past, together with the three separate defences of her crown that Jeannie Longo made within the Nineties. This can be a completely different period from then, although, even a special period from when Marianne Vos did the identical in 2013, with a a lot deeper pool of potential winners, and a way more aggressive race. It does not matter to Kopecky, who appears to thrive underneath the strain.
“For me it was the right day once more, so I can’t actually say far more,” she stated post-race.
There was a second the place it appeared just like the 28-year-old could be dropped on a tricky course, as two of her rivals within the main group – Demi Vollering (Netherlands) and Elisa Longo Borghini (Italy) – are ostensibly higher climbers, and tried to take it to her on the ramps, whereas Liane Lippert (Germany) adopted.
“Not likely really,” Kopecky responded, nonetheless, when requested if she thought the race would possibly slip away from her. “I had actually onerous moments on the climb the place Elisa attacked, however I attempted to not explode, as a result of I knew it was fairly far to the end. I attempted to come back again at my very own tempo.”
That she did, and as soon as she was within the profitable transfer, it appeared like there would solely be one victor in a dash. There was one second of doubt when Ruby Roseman-Gannon (Australia) and Chloé Dygert (USA) returned, however the hazard was rapidly snuffed out.
“I used to be wanting again however due to the climate I might solely see the sunshine of the motos, I couldn’t see the place they had been or who was coming again,” Kopecky stated. “They attacked instantly, which you anticipate, however I don’t suppose it modified something and possibly it was good that the pace was excessive.”
She was helped by Justine Ghekiere, with the Tour de France Femmes stage winner spending time up entrance within the break to stretch the race, a trip which was invaluable.
“I feel she was actually necessary,” Kopecky defined. “She was there within the break with two Dutch riders. It gave me the chance to remain calm within the bunch, and when there have been 5 of us I didn’t should do the vast majority of the work in order that was very nice. When Elisa attacked I didn’t have the reply, so it was good to know there was any person.”
It was a grim day in Zürich, with rain following incessantly, with the proof being the various riders who handed by means of the combined zone post-race with chattering tooth and visual goosebumps.
“I began with a rain jacket, however on the climbs it was simply actually heat, after which on the descent I acquired actually chilly, so I simply stored my leg heaters for so long as potential,” Kopecky defined of her moist climate apparel. “I simply knew I wanted to do away with them earlier than the final climbs, as a result of it offers a nasty feeling to your legs.”
As for Kopecky, our new and outdated world champion, she subsequent heads to the UCI Gravel World Championships, together with her sights set on one other rainbow jersey. This one could be tougher, although.
“I’ve by no means ridden a gravel race in my total life, so it’s going to be a enjoyable discovery,” she defined “I’m going to do a recon subsequent week, however I feel there’s quite a lot of tarmac. The win is the purpose, however it’s onerous to say how I’ll go.”
It is simply one other step on the highway for Kopecky, the double world champion, the rider who’s at her greatest on these robust days. Extra duties, extra obligations, however she will not thoughts if she retains profitable.
