Lotte Kopecky extends her contract with Team SD Worx-Protime through 2028
World champion cyclist Lotte Kopecky has extended her contract with Team SD Worx-Protime until 2028, following a period of significant achievements with the team. These achievements include winning the world road title in Glasgow, securing victories at the Ronde van Vlaanderen twice, triumphing at Strade Bianche, as well as clinching the points classification and a stage win at the Tour de France Femmes, alongside numerous world and European titles on the track.
Kopecky, 28, was initially under contract until the end of 2024 but expressed her preference to remain with Team SD Worx-Protime, citing the team’s supportive environment and its role in her professional and personal growth. Currently, she is ranked 2nd in the UCI ranking and has already claimed notable victories this season, including the queen stage and the overall classification of the UAE Tour.
In her own words, Kopecky stated, “I am very happy to stay with Team SD Worx-Protime until 2028. I feel good with this team, and most importantly, I can be myself in this environment. Team SD Worx-Protime is the best team in the women’s peloton in terms of results. The interaction in this team is very human. We are certainly not seen as robots. Of course we are expected to perform, but not at any cost.”
She further added, “There is clear communication within the team, so we immediately know where we stand. Both when it’s positive sounds and critical notes, you get to hear it. I can appreciate that.” Kopecky also reflected on her time with the team, “At Team SD Worx-Protime, I have already experienced a lot of great moments with both my teammates and the staff over the past two years. When I look at the record I have built up here and how I have grown as a rider and person, it is a logical choice that I have now opened up my contract and extended it through 2028.”
Erwin Janssen, team manager of Team SD Worx-Protime, expressed his contentment, stating, “We are very happy that we have been able to break open the contract with Lotte Kopecky and have secured her through 2028. Especially in Belgium, Lotte Kopecky really put women’s cycling on the map.” He praised her progress and achievements with the team, highlighting her as a pivotal figure in women’s cycling.
Danny Stam, sports manager for the team, commended Kopecky’s strength and leadership, “Lotte is one of the strongest riders in the peloton. Over the past two years in our team she has made huge strides and built a nice record. She is an easy person to work with and has become one of the leaders of the team that everyone pulls up to.” Stam also emphasized his confidence in her continued growth and contribution to the team.
Kobe Verdonck, CEO of SD Worx, linked Kopecky’s sporting success to broader themes of teamwork and development, “With the contract extension of Lotte Kopecky, Team SD Worx-Protime also assures itself of an absolute world-class rider within the team in the coming years. Lotte has already made SD Worx famous thanks to her exceptional cycling performances.” Verdonck also highlighted the importance of teamwork in achieving exceptional performance, both in sports and business, and commended Kopecky’s role in inspiring young talents and promoting women’s cycling.
The contract extension is a testament to Kopecky’s exceptional talent and her invaluable role within Team SD Worx-Protime, as both parties look forward to continued success and development in women’s cycling.