'Things are really not going our way' – Lotte Kopecky nets another second place for SD Worx-Protime at La Vuelta Femenina

Lotte Kopecky continued her strong form at La Vuelta Femenina by securing another second-place finish on stage 3 in A Coruña. After a disappointing relegation in the sprint finish of stage 2, Kopecky was once again narrowly beaten, this time by Cédrine Kerbaol of EF Education-Oatly, who launched a decisive late attack to claim victory. Kopecky led the chasing group home, just four seconds behind Kerbaol, marking her second runner-up spot in the opening stages, having also finished second on day one. The day proved challenging for Kopecky and her SD Worx-Protime team, who had shifted their focus to support Mischa Bredewold in the finale due to her climbing strength. Kopecky admitted she struggled on the climbs and had to drop back, but remained hopeful of rejoining the front group with the help of teammates. However, Kerbaol’s well-timed attack on a tricky cobbled section, combined with technical roundabouts in the closing kilometres, disrupted the chase and left SD Worx-Protime disorganised. Reflecting on the stage, Kopecky expressed frustration at the team’s misfortune and the difficulty in mounting a coordinated response to the solo move. Despite feeling confident in her sprinting ability, she acknowledged that the race circumstances did not favour her efforts this time. The Belgian rider also highlighted the importance of securing a stage win, stating that wearing the leader’s red jersey without a victory would not constitute a successful Vuelta for her. Currently second overall, just two seconds behind race leader Franziska Koch, Kopecky remains a strong contender in the general classification. With the race heading into more mountainous terrain and uphill sprints, SD Worx-Protime will rely on Anna van der Breggen to spearhead their GC ambitions. The coming stages offer Kopecky further opportunities to claim a stage victory and strengthen her position in the overall standings.