On April 6, 2025, Lotte Kopecky (29) achieved a remarkable milestone by winning the Ronde van Vlaanderen for the third time in her career, solidifying her status as the sole record holder of this prestigious event. The race, held under a bright sun, saw Kopecky navigate a challenging 168.9 kilometers starting and finishing in Oudenaarde, ultimately triumphing in a thrilling sprint against her rivals.
The 22nd edition of the Ronde van Vlaanderen was a stark contrast to the previous year’s race, which was marred by inclement weather. This year, the sunny skies provided a perfect backdrop for the cyclists, who faced a different set of challenges on the road. Early on, a breakaway group of seven riders managed to establish a lead of up to seven minutes, but the favorites, including Kopecky, remained unperturbed.
Among the early casualties was Elisa Longo Borghini, the defending champion, who had to abandon the race after a crash. Her withdrawal shifted the dynamics of the race, as competitors gauged their strengths against each other without the presence of the formidable Italian.
Kopecky, known for her strategic racing style, remained vigilant and controlled her position in the peloton. As the race progressed towards the Koppenberg, Kopecky timed her move to the front with precision, initiating a significant selection on the Bult van Melden. This maneuver showcased her tactical acumen, as she distanced herself from the remnants of the early breakaway.
As the race unfolded, Laurette Hanson and Mischa Bredewold made a bid for glory, launching an attack towards Ronse. However, the decisive moment came on the Kwaremont, where Pauline Ferrand-Prévot made her move. Kopecky, Liane Lippert, and Katarzyna Niewiadoma quickly followed suit, forming a formidable quartet that would dictate the final stages of the race.
In the closing kilometers, the tension mounted as Niewiadoma attempted an early attack. Yet, Kopecky, displaying her strength and composure, responded effectively, ensuring she remained in contention for the victory. As they approached the final stretch, the four riders prepared for a sprint finish, with Kopecky’s confidence buoyed by her earlier performances in the race.
Crossing the finish line, Kopecky claimed victory with a time of 4 hours, 24 minutes, and 34 seconds, finishing ahead of Ferrand-Prévot and Lippert, who rounded out the podium. Niewiadoma finished just a second behind in fourth place, while Kimberley Le Court and Letizia Borghesi completed the top six.
Reflecting on her victory, Kopecky expressed her satisfaction, stating, "This feels naturally good. It was a crazy race, nervous from the start. I didn't have the best legs at the beginning, but I stayed calm and felt better after a few climbs. I know I have a good sprint and went into it with confidence." She also acknowledged the role of the headwinds, which complicated efforts for her competitors to launch attacks.
Katarzyna Niewiadoma, who finished fourth, shared her frustration, saying, "That's the place everyone hates. I gave it my all, but cramps hit me in the finale. It was a super tough day. My goal is to win here one day and become a true Flandrien." Meanwhile, Puck Pieterse, who faced her share of misfortune during the race, commented on her struggles, stating, "I got knocked down quickly. Luckily, I could return, but that hurt. When Lotte went, I wasn’t in position."
Marianne Vos, another prominent figure in women’s cycling, also experienced difficulties, particularly on the Koppenberg, where she lost crucial ground. "From there, I only caught bits via the radio. I had no issues with my tire pressure system, but someone crashed into my derailleur, which made shifting tough," she explained.
Ellen van Dijk, who finished in eighth place, acknowledged the strength of the leading group, noting, "Ultimately, the best riders broke away on the Kwaremont. I felt my energy deplete during the chase, which made it impossible to contend for the win."
In contrast, Lorena Wiebes celebrated her teammate’s success, stating, "The luck wasn’t on my side, especially with the crash involving Longo Borghini. I’m disappointed I couldn’t do more for the team. The most important thing is that Lotte wins in the rainbow jersey. Tonight, we’ll pop the champagne and celebrate!"
With this victory, Lotte Kopecky not only solidified her position in cycling history but also set the stage for an exciting season ahead. As the cycling world looks forward to future competitions, her performance in the Ronde van Vlaanderen will undoubtedly be remembered as a defining moment.
