ProTeam Degenkolb en Kopecky sprint to victory in Giro Rosa and Luxembourg
Great day for Lotto Soudal. John Degenkolb sprinted to his first 2020 win in Skoda Tour de Luxembourg. In a bunch sprint John was the fastest in Schifflange. The 31-year-old German preceded Eduard Grosu and Pieter Vanspeybrouck. It is his first victory for team Lotto Soudal.
John Degenkolb:
“We had something to make up after two difficult opening stages here in Luxembourg. Especially since Tomasz MarczyÅ„ski and Harm Vanhoucke could not start this morning because of the isolation measures. That was a setback for Lotto Soudal and we only started the stage with four remaining riders.”
“I was well protected end kept out of the wind by my teammates. We are working together so well. In the final kilometers Tosh Van der Sande did a tremendous job leading me out. I am so so happy with victory. It is nice to give something back to the team and the fact that this is my first win for Lotto Soudal makes it extra special.”
“This win comes only 19 days after my crash in the opening stage in Tour de France. This victory is a sign that I was in a really good shape starting the Tour. The knee is getting better, at the moment I don’t feel pain anymore.
“There are still some chances left for the team in the next two stages, but not for me. I will support Tim, Tosh and Phil in the next stages. Tim is feeling better and better and can target the general classification.”
“I am also selected for the world championships next week. This selection might come as a surprise for some, but today’s win is proof of my good form. The course in Imola does not suit my characteristics, so I will ride in a support role for Germany.”
In Giro Rosa Lotte Kopecky sprinted to a wonderful stage victory. In Maddaloni Kopecky was the fastest of a leading group in the 7th stage, ahead of Lizzie Deignan and Katarzyna Niewiadoma. For the 24-year-old Kopecky it is the first victory at the highest level, the Women's WorldTour.
Lotte Kopecky:
“Third time's a charm! I started to get a bit impatient after two podium spots in the previous stages. But it feels great to finally get a big win. I knew that the condition was more than fine, but it was frustrating to not be able to finish it off.”
“Today there was a tough climb in the local lap. There I lost contact with the front group for a moment. But I was able to reconnect before the summit. I felt that I had a big chance to win. I came out of the last corner in second position and started my sprint on the cobblestones with confidence. I don't know yet what happened to me. This is awesome! ”
“After Giro Rosa I am heading to the Belgian nationals to win. But nationals are always a special race. You can come up with ten thousand scenarios before the race, but in the end it will turn out differently. I will give the best of myself and hopefully that will result in the victory.”