Olympic bronze medalist 2024 and two-time World Road Champion, plus six world titles on the track. Lotte Kopecky, a 30-year-old Belgian, is the phenomenon of versatility in women's cycling and on Via Roma she claimed victory in the second edition of Sanremo Women, adding to her three wins in the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix.

«It's simply a fantastic feeling to win here - explains Kopecky, second at the 2023 Tour behind Demi Vollering and at the 2024 Giro after a battle right to the final stage with Longo Borghini -. I had full support from the team, we at SD Worx are a team of professionals and I was very confident after Wednesday's success in the Nokere Koerse (Flemish semi-classic, ed.). We took responsibility when necessary and the girls did it: really excellent work to get me in the right position for the attack on Cipressa and Poggio».

Kopecky in front, Lorena Wiebes in the group behind her in case of regrouping. «On the Poggio I responded to the attacks and then on the descent I knew I had to be patient, Lorena was behind me. In the sprint I started my acceleration at the right moment and I'm thrilled to have finished it this way. I was very careful about a possible attack from those behind us, and I knew I couldn't let that happen».

From the Cipressa there was a very bad crash that also involved Niewiadoma and there were moments of tension for Debora Silvestri of Laboral. «At Sanremo the descents are very treacherous, it's very important to know them well. I hope Kasia is doing well as are all the other girls who crashed».