Three-time reigning World Champion Lotte Kopecky got to show off her rainbow jersey(s) during the Fashion For Cycling Ladies Cup on Friday night. Kopecky won the elimination and points race convincingly, after which the Cavendish family handed her a bouquet of flowers.
Kopecky led a 12-strong field of competitors that included Dutch rider Marit Raaijmakers, French rider Victoire Berteau, German rider Lea Lin Teutenberg and several promising Belgian riders such as Katrijn De Clercq and Hélène Hesters, sister of Six Days cyclist Jules.
Much to the delight of the Kuipke crowd, Kopecky fully lived up to her role as favourite. She won the elimination beating Raaijmakers and Berteau. She also won the points race, but the numbers two and three swapped places. “The performance gave me goosebumps,” Kopecky commented afterwards. “The public appreciates us and it’s really nice that women’s cycling can have this impact.”
Mark Cavendish, along with Iljo Keisse, were enthralled by the racing at the Kuipke on Friday night. Cav’s five-year-old son Casper is a big fan of Kopecky and was allowed to present the victor’s flowers to his idol, followed by dad Marc who of course also congratulated the triple World Champion extensively.
