Cycling fans will be treated to a spectacle as the peloton barrel over the cobblestone ascents deep into the final of the Tour of Flanders on April 2 in Belgium.
The famed back-to-back Oude Kwaremont and Paterberg before the run-in to Oudenaarde will be the prime locations to watch the world-class peloton contest for the win during the 20th edition of the Tour of Flanders.
From the sprinters and rouleurs to the cobble specialists and the queens of the hellingen; Cyclingnews highlights ten riders to watch at the 2023 Women’s Tour of Flanders.
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Lotte Kopecky
It’s been another stand-out spring for Lotte Kopecky, who delivered two wins for SD Worx at Omloop Het Nieuwsblad and Nokere Koerse while also finishing second behind teammate Demi Vollering at Strade Bianche after a close two-up sprint.
Kopecky lines up as the defending champion, and her winning performance at the Tour of Flanders last year will go down in history as she was one of the few riders to have won the iconic event while wearing the colours of the Belgian National Champion, a short list that also includes Philippe Gilbert in 2017 and Stijn Devolder in 2008.
Since SD Worx built a new sprint team dedicated to Lorena Wiebes this year, Kopecky has enjoyed a wildcard role, which seems to suit her skillset during the more challenging one-day classics.
Her versatility is illustrated by a winning sprint and power on the short and steep ascents, where she has the ability to match the strongest climbers in the field. A perfect example of this was on display during the previous two Strade Bianche, where she was unshakable on the route’s short but steep climbs, and of course, during her victory at the 2022 Tour of Flanders.
SD Worx, once again, have the strongest team on paper and numbers to play with well into the final. Watch for Kopecky to revel in a wildcard role on the roads to Oudenaarde.
Annemiek van Vleuten
Annemiek van Vleuten has spent a part of this month putting in the miles and training at Mount Teide in Tenerife, all in preparation for her next block of racing that starts at the Tour of Flanders and culminates at the three Ardennes Classics.
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