2024 Paris-Roubaix Femmes | Highlights

Race Report

In an exhilarating display of strength and determination, Lotte Kopecky emerged victorious at Paris-Roubaix Femmes avec Zwift on Saturday afternoon, securing SD-Worx Protime’s first-ever title in the race.

The world champion showcased her prowess throughout the 148.5km race, taking the lead into the first cobbled sector and actively pursuing and closing down moves throughout the day. Kopecky entered the iconic velodrome in a select six-rider group and delivered a stunning sprint from behind to outpace Elisa Balsamo (Lidl-Trek) at the finish line.

Pfeiffer Georgi (dsm-firmenich PostNL), the British national champion, clinched the final podium spot by edging out Marianne Vos (Visma-Lease a Bike). Ellen van Dijk and Amber Kraak (FDJ-Suez) were also part of the decisive breakaway.

Kopecky’s victory was the culmination of two years of determined effort at the race. After finishing second in 2022 and seventh in 2023, she finally realized her dream of standing atop the podium, a moment marked by visible emotion as she crossed the finish line.

“This was the goal of the season,” Kopecky exclaimed, her face adorned with dirt and a triumphant smile.

The race unfolded with the peloton remaining together on the flat run-in before the action intensified with the first of 17 bone-rattling cobblestone sectors. Kopecky showcased her strength by positioning herself at the front of the pack, setting the stage for her eventual triumph.

With 53km to go, the world champion made her decisive move, accelerating over the cobbles and forming a front quartet with Vos, Georgi, and Christina Schweinberger (Fenix Deceuninck). Although the breakaway was short-lived, it demonstrated Kopecky’s determination to dictate the race’s tempo.

The lead changed hands several times in the closing kilometers, with riders launching attacks and chasing down breakaways. Ultimately, it was Kopecky’s strength and tactical prowess that propelled her to victory as she surged past her rivals in a thrilling sprint finish on the outdoor velodrome.

In the aftermath of the race, Balsamo graciously acknowledged Kopecky’s superiority, summarizing the day with succinct honesty: “Lotte was just stronger.” Indeed, Kopecky had finally claimed her Roubaix cobble, a well-deserved victory after years of relentless pursuit.

Results

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