Kopecky Cites Exhaustion, Will Miss World Championships Defence in Rwanda
Belgian cycling star Lotte Kopecky has made the difficult decision to withdraw from the upcoming Road World Championships in Rwanda, foregoing her opportunity to defend her 2023 title. The announcement comes as the season reaches its climax, with Kopecky citing profound physical and mental fatigue after a demanding year of competition.Kopecky’s absence is a significant blow to the belgian team and the broader cycling world. As the reigning world champion, she was widely considered a favorite to contend for the rainbow jersey once again. Her withdrawal underscores the increasing pressures faced by elite athletes navigating a relentlessly packed racing calendar and raises questions about athlete wellbeing within the sport. The Belgian team will now look to other strong contenders, including Justine Ghekiere and Marthe Goossens, to lead their challenge in the Elite Women’s road race.Alongside Kopecky’s withdrawal, Wout van Aert will also not be in attendance.The Belgian national team selections for the World Championships, announced alongside Kopecky’s decision, reveal the squads set to compete across various disciplines.
Individual Time Trial:
Junior Women: Laura Fivé
Junior Men: Thor Michielsen, Seff Van Kerckhove. Reserve: Mats Vanden Eynde
U23 Women: Lore de Schepper, Fleur Moors
U23 Men: Jonathan vervenne, Jarno Widar
Elite Women: Marthe Goossens
Elite Men: Remco Evenepoel, Ilan van Wilder, Florian Vermeersch. Reserve: Alec Segaert
Mixed Team Relay:
Elite Men: Victor Campenaerts, Florian vermeersch, Jonathan Vervenne. Reserve: Ilan van Wilder
Elite women: Marthe Goossens, julie van de Velde, Margot Vanpachtenbeke. Reserve: Marieke Meert
Road Race:
Junior Women: Auke de Buysser, Laura Fivé, Sanne Laurijssen
Junior Men: Eduard Claises, Thor Michiels, Mats Van Eynd, Sef of Kerckhow, Ture Verbeeck.Reserves: Lender the Gend, Mathias the Christmas, Jinze Joris
U23 Women: Lore de Schepper, Tess Moerman, Fleur Moors, Xaydée van Sinaey
U23 Men: Aaron Dockx, Kamiel Eeman, Tim Rex, Jasper Schoofs, Jarno Widar. reserves: Milan Donie, Niels Driesen, Aldo Taillieu
Elite Women: Justine ghekiere, Marthe Goossens, Marieke Meert, Julie van de Velde, Margot Vanpachtenbeke
Elite Men: Tiesj Benoot, Victor Campenaerts, Remco Evenepoel, Quinten Hermans, Xandro meurisse, Cian Uijtdebroeks, Ilan van Wilder, Florian Vermeersch
