Danny Stam critical of Lotte Kopecky after Tour stage 1 'setback'
SD Worx-Protime sports director Danny Stam has spoken critically of his rider Lotte Kopecky after the world champion struggled on stage 1 of the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift – a stage that, on paper, should have suited her.
“I haven't spoken to her yet, but Lotte certainly wasn't good enough," Stam told VTM after the stage. "The team completely sacrificed themselves for her, and if she's not there in the end, you can make all sorts of excuses, but the strongest team wins.”
Kopecky finished more than a minute down on stage winner Marianne Vos (Visma-Lease a Bike) on the opening stage to Plumelec, on a short finishing climb where she would normally be a contender. Stam suggested that Kopecky didn't tell the team she was struggling.
“We still have to analyze it all," Stam said. "Normally, Lotte indicates at such times that she's not good enough, so we can draw a different card. She didn't do that this time.”
Kopecky avoided speaking to the press after stage 1, and again at the start of stage 2 in Brest. Kopecky has had a challenging season, battling a knee injury earlier in the year and a back injury more recently. It's not yet clear whether Kopecky's back is still bothering her at the Tour.
