Lotte Kopecky sprints to 2nd place in first stage of Tour of Romandie

Lotte Kopecky sprints to 2nd place in first stage of Tour of Romandie

‘Entered the sprint a little too early’

06/09/2024

In the first stage of the Tour de Romandie, Team SD Worx-Protime controlled the race. With another strong breakaway from Christine Majerus 14 kilometres from the end, the teams of the other favourites for the stage win were put to work. Title defender Demi Vollering provided a strong lead-out for Lotte Kopecky. The world champion then opened the sprint, but had to give the thumbs up to Elisa Balsamo. ‘Lotte entered her sprint powerfully, but unfortunately she started just a bit too early,’ said sports manager Danny Stam.

Linked race Tour de Romandie 2024 - Linked cyclists Lotte Kopecky - Gekoppelde ploegleiders: Danny Stam

Danny Stam: ‘Today's plan was to thin out the leading group as much as possible by imposing a high pace on the final climb. Ideally, we could then play off Lotte Kopecky for the sprint. Our riders were alert all day. When the big breakaway formed, we were represented with Christine Majerus and Femke Markus. It was good that they were there. Although the course situation was not quite ideal for us with that big group. Ideally there was another rider of ours who gets over the climbs a bit easier.’

After a late breakaway attempt by Christine Majerus, the sprinters' teams had to get going. About two kilometres from the line, Majerus was caught, after which the day's victory would be decided in the sprint. ‘In the end, the first stage went as we had hoped. Balsamo was able to hang on during the climb and get over it. Strong from her and unfortunate for us.’
‘Tomorrow is a very different day. It will be a tough stage, especially with the final 10-kilometre climb at an average of 8%. I think it is clear that we will try to play Demi Vollering's card there, but you can never predict the course of the race in advance,’ Stam continued.

Asked if the team can be satisfied after the first stage, ‘You always want to win! Of course you're disappointed if you just don't win. On the other hand, I think we rode a solid race today. So we can look forward to the next days of this Tour of Romandie with confidence.’

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