Defending champion Lorena Wiebes hopes Team SD Worx–Protime can win Milano–Sanremo again

Team SD Worx–Protime will start Milano–Sanremo Women with Lotte Kopecky, Elena Cecchini, Blanka Vas, Marta Lach, Femke Gerritse, and defending champion Lorena Wiebes. The Dutch champion expects a different race scenario than in the first edition since Milano–Sanremo returned to the women’s calendar.

“Some teams will probably start making the race harder earlier. We’re starting with a strong team. With Lotte Kopecky and me, we have two cards to play. Our goal is to win the second edition of Milano–Sanremo with Team SD Worx–Protime as well.”

Lorena Wiebes: “Milano–Sanremo is one of the most important races on the women’s calendar. It’s one of my biggest victories. Because I’ve won this race before, I feel a bit less pressure going into it. Although, of course, I know I’m considered one of the favorites.”

“We’re starting with a strong team—the same six riders as last year. That can be an advantage. Everyone knows exactly where they need to be. Still, I expect a different race compared to last year. Some teams might try to make the race hard early on so we reach the foot of the Cipressa with a smaller group. There might also be a faster pace on the Poggio. I hope to stay with the front as long as possible so we can play multiple cards.”

“This is the fourth season Lotte Kopecky and I are racing together for Team SD Worx–Protime. We’ve always worked well together. Last year she went through a difficult season because of a knee injury. I’m happy she’s been able to show the outside world that she’s back. Her win in Nokere Koerse has undoubtedly given her a confidence boost heading into Sanremo.”

“The first win is in the books for Lotte, and that’s important. That first victory always feels liberating. She’s back. Things will fall her way more often again this season, and that’s perfectly fine by me. Starting with multiple leaders takes some pressure off each other, and you can help one another in the race. The goal is to win as many races as possible together for Team SD Worx–Protime. It would be wonderful if that could happen again in Milano–Sanremo.”