Cycling star took an emotional victory a few days after his brother’s death

Sport: The Belgian was alone in the goal, but did not celebrate. Instead, she rolled over the line with her eyes fixed on the ground. Her mind was elsewhere.

On Saturday, Kopecky’s brother Seppe died suddenly at the age of just 29. Nevertheless, she had the strength to win Wednesday’s race in elimination style. The SD Worx rider was clearly moved as she stepped onto the podium.

– There have not been easy days, but there is no reason to sit at home and hang your head, Kopecky told Belgian Sporza afterwards.

It was her brother who in his time introduced her to cycling. He himself competed in triathlons.

On Wednesday, Kopecky moved and rode solo for the last seven kilometres. Teammate Lorena Wiebes from the Netherlands was separated by 28 seconds, while Marta Bastianelli (Italy) took the last podium place.

Kopecky has had a strong start to the season and has been no worse than second in the three races she has run. Last month she won Omloop Het Nieuwsblad.

(© NTB)