BRUSSELS (Reuters) -Women’s world champion Lotte Kopecky will not defend her title in Rwanda later this month, taking time away from the sport instead, Belgium’s national coach said on Tuesday.
The two-time world road race champion, who won in Zurich last year and Scotland in 2023, has requested not to take part in the championships in Kigali from September 21-28, national coach Ludwig Willems confirmed when announcing the Belgian selection.
The 29-year-old Kopecky had asked for time to reflect on her career after failing to reach her major goals this summer. In both the Giro d’Italia Women and the Tour de France Femmes, the world champion was unable to make a mark and felt she would also not be able to play a prominent role in Rwanda either.
"We should all be grateful for what Lotte has achieved in the Classics, Grand Tours and championships in recent years," said Willems, who only found out about Kopecky's decision last week.
"Now, we need to give her plenty of time to recharge, get organised and find peace. I'm sure we'll see a stronger Lotte again soon."
“During the Giro, doubts began to creep in for Lotte, and during the Tour they grew even stronger. She was hoping for a turnaround, but she has now taken this decision because she is convinced she will not be 100% ready. A champion like Lotte only wants to compete if she knows she can fight for victory,” he added. Willems did not try to persuade Kopecky to reconsider.
In Kopecky’s absence, Justine Ghekiere will take on the role of team leader. The Belgian champion will be supported by Marthe Goossens, Marieke Meert, Julie Van de Velde and Margot Vanpachtenbeke. “Our medal chances are, logically, much smaller,” Willems admitted.
(Writing by Mark Gleeson in Cape Town; Editing by Toby Davis)
