Kopecky eyes Giro but Tour de France participation unclear in Olympic year

Lotte Kopecky will ride in the Giro d’Italia, as she sets her sights on a gold medal at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.

That’s on the back of winning the Tour de France in 2023, but her participation in this year’s edition of the race remains unclear.

“There is no long list for the Tour yet because certain riders are injured and it is not yet clear whether they will be fit.

“After Liege, I will sit down with Lotte and talk about the Tour. The most important thing is what she wants.”

Stam refers to the Liege-Bastogne-Liege Femmes on April 21, in which Kopecky will also participate as it is her home event.

But because the Tour de France takes so close to the Olympics this year, she remains uncertain over whether to saddle up.

The 28-year old is set to focus on the arduous Ominium at Paris 2024, so it is important she manages her schedule.

That makes the Giro an attractive proposition, given it runs from July 7-14, three weeks before the Olympics.

“Demi is our leader in the Ardennes,” added Stam. “We hope to win at least one victory with her.

“From now on, Demi is the leading lady and Lotte is a shadow leading lady. An important role. I still expect something from Lotte.

“There was a lot of pressure on our team and Lotte as world champion, but she won Strade Bianche and Paris-Roubaix. Then you can call it a successful campaign.

“It is not the course that will be decisive for Lotte in Liège, but the mental and physical freshness after a long spring.

“She has been working towards the Tour of Flanders and Roubaix. It remains to be seen how much is left in her tank compared to those who will be relatively fresh at the start.”