‘I’m just at the level I want to be’ – Lotte Kopecky says she ‘doesn’t really care’ whether rivals view her as Tour of Flanders frontrunner

Considering that Lotte Kopecky is the most successful rider in women’s Tour of Flanders history, it’s no surprise that she bullishly said she isn’t concerned about whether or not her rivals view her as the main favourite for Sunday’s race.

Kopecky will start as the defending champion, having claimed a record third crown in 2025 even without her best form and during a season filled with setbacks. If Tadej Pogačar defeats Mathieu van der Poel as he is expected to, Kopecky looks the most likely rider, male or female, to claim the elusive fourth Ronde van Vlaanderen crown, something no one has ever managed in 109 editions of the men’s event and 22 of the women’s race.