Sunday, June 23, 2024 at 2:12 PM
Lotte Kopecky (SD Worx-Protime) has develop into Belgian highway biking champion for the fourth time. On the Belgian Championships in Zottegem there was no restrict to the world champion, who crossed the end line with an enormous distinction after a solo of 30 kilometers. 4 (!) minutes later, Sanne Cant (Fenix-Deceuninck) completed in silver and Justine Ghekiere (AG Insurance coverage-Soudal) took bronze.
For the primary time in historical past, Zottegem in East Flanders is internet hosting the Belgian highway championship. A tough course awaited the riders, however one which was nonetheless unknown to most of the people. After the beginning in Sint-Lievens-Houtem, the riders rode to at least one giant loop by way of Herzele and Zottegem of 48.2 kilometers, with three obstacles: Klemhoutstraat (1,800 meters at 3%), Hostellerie (1,300 meters at 4.3%) and the cobblestones of Paddestraat (2,300 meters).
After this lengthy loop, three extra passages adopted on a 22.9 kilometer lengthy native circuit in and round Zottegem. Right here once more there have been three executioners every time, however they have been nearer to one another and nearer to the end. This involved the Grotebergstraat (800 meters at 3.6%) and moreover the cobblestones of the Kruiswaterplein (200 meters) and the Lippenhovestraat (1,200 meters). The Lippenhovestraat was solely 5.5 kilometers from the end in Zottegem.
Last breaks open early, no measure on Kopecky
The Belgian girls’s championship was opened up early. Greater than 50 kilometers earlier than the end, prime favourite Lotte Kopecky already selected to assault from a chasing group, placing everybody on the restrict. Fleur Moors (Lidl-Trek) was capable of be a part of, after which Justine Ghekiere (AG Insurance coverage-Soudal), Sanne Cant (Fenix-Deceuninck) and Jesse Vandenbulcke (De Ceuster-Bonache) managed to make the crossing.
picture: Cor Vos
It was not going quick sufficient for Kopecky, so she determined to make an assault 30 kilometers earlier than the end in Zottegem. The world champion of SD Worx-Protime stunned the remainder. She elevated her lead on the cobblestones of Kruiswaterplein and Lippenhovestraat, making victory virtually unimaginable for her. The one one nonetheless in pursuit was Ghekiere. Nonetheless, she noticed Kopecky’s lead proceed to extend, to greater than 40 seconds.
Thrilling battle for silver and bronze
The fourth Belgian title was due to this fact written within the stars for Kopecky, who benefited from the woman-on-woman combat that arose early on. Inside no time Kopecky had a lead of 1 and a half minutes and that hole continued to widen within the ultimate lap. Greater than three minutes behind her, Ghekiere, Moors, Cant and Vandenbulcke battled for the opposite medals.
On the final time Lippenhovestraat Vandenbulcke was the primary to drop out below the drive of Cant. Solely Ghekiere may comply with the cyclo-cross rider. In a dash with two Cant secured silver and Ghekiere bronze.
picture: Cor Vos
