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

Lotte Kopecky secured her second consecutive runner-up finish at La Vuelta Femenina, this time on Stage 3, as Cédrine Kerbaol (Ceratizit-WNT Pro Cycling) soloed to victory. The reigning World Champion, riding for SD Worx-Protime, was part of a chasing group that failed to reel in Kerbaol, leading to team management expressing frustration over their disorganised efforts and inability to convert strong individual performances into wins.

This result marks a continuation of SD Worx-Protime's unusual start to the Vuelta, where their formidable roster, including Demi Vollering, has yet to claim a stage victory. Kopecky's consistent high placings underscore her immense form, but the team's collective strategy appears to be faltering. Historically, SD Worx-Protime has been a dominant force, often overwhelming rivals with tactical precision, making their current struggles to control races a significant talking point and a potential vulnerability.

For a team accustomed to winning almost at will, two second-place finishes for their World Champion must feel like a crisis. Perhaps it’s a reminder that even the best need more than just raw power to dictate terms.