Lotte Kopecky becomes first Belgian to win Omloop het Nieuwsblad for women

Lotte Kopecky (SD Worx) became the first Belgian to win the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad for women, the opening event of the Belgian cycling season, after a fine solo on Saturday. In the men's race, Dutch rider Dylan van Baarle (Jumbo-Visma) took the victory.

In the 18th edition of 'The Opening Classic', Kopecky stayed ahead of a sprinting peloton after 132 kilometres from Ghent to Ninove (East Flanders province). "Lorena Wiebes was also very strong on the slopes" Kopecky commented after crossing the finish line. "She still came second nicely. There is a huge dynamism in our team. I already felt good yesterday. (...) I now have another great race on my record of achievements. Now Paris-Roubaix remains. That's definitely on my wish list."

Kopecky's Dutch teammate Lorena Wiebes took second place ahead of Italian Marta Bastianelli. Today's Omloop was the first race of the road season for the 27-year-old Belgian, who succeeds Dutch rider Annemiek van Vleuten on the list of honours.

Later on Saturday, Dylan van Baarle (Jumbo-Visma) won the 78th edition of the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad for men. The 30-year-old Dutchman finished solo after a 207.4-kilometre race. Twenty seconds later, Arnaud De Lie finished ahead of Frenchman Christophe Laporte in the sprint for second place.

(BRV)

^{Lotte Kopecky © BELGA PHOTO KURT DESPLENTER}