2023-07-23 15:44:30
Belgian Lotte Kopecky launched the Women’s Tour de France by donning the first yellow jersey of the event after a show of force on Sunday July 23 in Clermont-Ferrand.
Published on: 07/23/2023 – 15:44
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From our special correspondent in Clermont-Ferrand,
All it took was a climb in the final of the first stage in Clermont-Ferrand this Sunday July 23 for the Belgian Lotte Kopecky to claim the first yellow jersey of the second edition of the Tour de France Women by winning the first stage. At the same time, she seizes the polka dot jersey and the green jersey.
The rider of the team, the SD Worx team continued its momentum after taking the lead in the last difficulty of the day, the Durtol coast nine kilometers from the line. She signs the first success of her career on the Tour de France. She won with nearly a minute ahead of her Dutch teammate Lorena Wiebes who settled the sprint of the pursuers.
A special victory
The Antwerp resident, a specialist in the track but also in steep and short climbs, applied the recipe which had enabled her to win the Tour of Flanders in the spring: attacking at the end of the ascent.
The favorites of this Tour de France Women, the Dutch Annemiek Van Vleuten (title holder, 13th) and Demi Vollering (world number one, 6th), were among the group of pursuers, unlike the Frenchwoman Juliette Labous who lost about forty seconds on the other contenders for the final podium and is already more than a minute and thirty seconds behind Kopecky.
« It’s a special win. I don’t know if it’s the most important of my career. The Tour of Flanders and the Track World Championships were very important to me commented Kopecky at a press conference.
His tenth success of the season still has a special flavor. For the first time since the revival of the Women’s Tour last year, the yellow tunic will not be worn by a rider from the Netherlands. ” Belgium is a great cycling country “, willingly recognizes the interested party.
« My role does not change. I’m here to help Demi [Vollering] to win the Tour and if I have to sacrifice myself, I will “, explains Kopecky who had had a painful start to the season after the sudden death of his brother in March 2023.
Read alsoTour de France Women: a very balanced course, and champions ready to fight
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