Lotte Kopecky Makes History With Third Ronde Van Vlaanderen Victory

In a dazzling display of talent and tenacity, Lotte Kopecky has made history by winning the Ronde van Vlaanderen for the third time on April 6, 2025, in Oudenaarde. The Belgian world champion, donning her rainbow jersey, showcased her dominance in the race, which spanned nearly 170 kilometers under a radiant sun, a stark contrast to the inclement weather of the previous year.

The race kicked off with a nervous energy, as several riders faced early crashes within the first hour, including last year’s winner, Elisa Longo Borghini, who was forced to abandon the race. This unfortunate turn of events left UAE Team ADQ without one of its key competitors. Meanwhile, a breakaway group of seven riders surged ahead, managing to build a maximum lead of seven minutes, but the main contenders were not overly concerned.

As the race unfolded, the early breakaway began to lose steam. Lotte Kopecky, who had been strategically observing from the second row, executed her plan perfectly as they approached the Koppenberg. The world champion timed her jump to the front of the peloton with precision, demonstrating her tactical acumen.

In the meantime, Laurette Hanson and Mischa Bredewold made a bold move, attacking in the section towards Ronse. However, it was on the Kwaremont that the race truly began to take shape. Pauline Ferrand-Prévot launched an attack that was quickly followed by Kopecky and Liane Lippert, with Katarzyna Niewiadoma managing to latch onto their heels.

The four riders formed a formidable group as they ascended the Paterberg together, and despite the efforts of a chasing pack, the gap widened to over 40 seconds. As they approached the final kilometer, Niewiadoma made a last-ditch effort to break away, but Kopecky remained unfazed, maintaining her composure.

With her powerful sprinting ability, Kopecky surged ahead, leaving her competitors behind and crossing the finish line triumphantly in a time of 4 hours, 24 minutes, and 34 seconds. This victory not only solidified her status as a top contender but also made her the sole record holder for the most wins in the women's Ronde van Vlaanderen history.

Post-race, emotions ran high. Niewiadoma, who finished fourth, expressed her frustration, stating, "That’s the place everyone hates. I gave it my all, but cramps struck in the finale. It was a super tough day. The goal is to win here one day and become a true Flandrien." Meanwhile, Puck Pieterse, who also faced her share of misfortune during the race, lamented, "I was knocked down early on. Luckily I could return, but it was tough. When Lotte went, I wasn’t in position to respond."

Marianne Vos, another prominent figure in women's cycling, also faced challenges, particularly on the Koppenberg. "From there, I only caught snippets of the race through the radio. I had no issues with my tire pressure system, but someone crashed into my derailleur, making shifting difficult," she noted.

Ellen van Dijk, who finished just outside the top three, acknowledged the strength of the leading group, saying, "Ultimately, the best riders broke away on the Kwaremont. I felt my energy waning in the chase, so I couldn’t compete for the win."

In contrast, Lorena Wiebes celebrated her teammate Kopecky’s success, stating, "Luck wasn’t on my side with a crash that involved Longo Borghini. I’m disappointed I couldn’t do more for the team, but the most important thing is that Lotte wins in the rainbow jersey. Tonight, we’ll pop the champagne and celebrate!"

The final results saw Lotte Kopecky taking the victory, followed closely by Pauline Ferrand-Prévot and Liane Lippert in second and third place, respectively. Kimberley Le Court rounded out the top five, finishing one minute and thirteen seconds behind the winner.

This win marks a significant milestone for Kopecky, who has now etched her name in the annals of cycling history as the only female rider to achieve three victories in the Ronde van Vlaanderen. The race not only highlighted her exceptional skills but also showcased the thrilling competition among the best female cyclists in the world.

As the cycling community celebrates this remarkable achievement, all eyes will undoubtedly be on Kopecky as she continues her pursuit of excellence in the upcoming races this season. With her impressive performance, she has not only won the Ronde van Vlaanderen but has also reignited the excitement and passion for women's cycling.