Lotte Kopecky wins two gold medals in 19 minutes at European Track Cycling Championships

Belgium's Lotte Kopecky caused a sensation at the European Track Cycling Championships on Saturday, winning gold in both the points race and the eliminations in 19 minutes.

In the points race in Apeldoorn, the Netherlands, Kopecky won in a rather economical manner: "I never really had to go all out in the sprints. I was able to sprint pretty economically," she said. "I felt like I was in control. And I was happy that I was pretty safe for the final sprint."

"I'm very happy with what I did today, especially after yesterday"

In the elimination race, Kopecky finished impressively despite several fresh opponents. "It was certainly not an obvious combination, but apparently not an impossible one either. The legs were not empty after the points race. In the end, I felt like I was in control again. I'm happy that I showed today that I have decent legs after all."

Kopecky was referring to Friday's disappointing omnium event, in which she finished seventh. Unlike the points and elimination races, the omnium is an Olympic event. "The omnium was disappointing. I started to have a little doubt at that point," she said. "I'm very happy with what I did today, especially after yesterday. Although I would really like to hit the mark in the omnium as well."

Kopecky will be in action on Sunday, the final day of the championships, in the team race with compatriot Katrijn De Clercq.

^{#FlandersNewsService | Lotte Kopecky after winning the women's elimination race at the UEC Track Cycling European Championships in Apeldoorn, 13 January 2024 © JOHN THYS / AFP}