Team SD Worx heads for Tour of Flanders with iron-clad team

Team SD Worx heads for Tour of Flanders with iron-clad team

"It's a bit easier to control with three favourites"

01/04/2023

Team SD Worx is heading to the Tour of Flanders with a strong team. The Dutch World Tour formation is aiming to win in Vlaanderens Mooiste and has three favourites in its ranks to do so with Lotte Kopecky, Marlen Reusser and Demi Vollering. Together with Lorena Wiebes, Elena Cecchini and Christine Majerus, they aim to keep the Tour of Flanders' number one back in the team. "Our goal with Team SD Worx is to go for a second victory in a row in Ronde van Vlaanderen," said Wiebes.

Linked race Ronde van Vlaanderen - Linked cyclists Demi Vollering Lotte Kopecky Elena Cecchini Christine Majerus Lorena Wiebes Marlen Reusser - Gekoppelde ploegleiders: Anna van der Breggen Danny Stam

Defending champion Lotte Kopecky is living towards the Tour of Flanders with confidence after her victories in Omloop Het Nieuwsblad and Nokere-Koerse. "I feel stronger than last year. I digest the hills more smoothly and it's just easier. There is a lot of confidence in our own abilities in the team. Although we shouldn't be too convinced of our abilities either. If we assume, like the outside world, that we cannot lose, then we will definitely do so. The race must always be run. I am looking forward to Sunday. For a Belgian, the Tour of Flanders is very special. That I get to start with jersey number one just makes it even more special."

Demi Vollering is also in super shape. She proved that by winning in the last two races where she started: Strade Bianche and Dwars door Vlaanderen. "I still feel some of the fatigue from last Wednesday in Dwars door Vlaanderen, but by Sunday that should be resolved. The reconnaissance went well, but the Oude Kwaremont remains a tricky climb. What is the secret of Team SD Worx? The good team atmosphere. We are super close and really favour each other. As a result, we go through fire for each other. To have three favourites in the team does not make it difficult for us. It is just harder for the other teams to estimate what we are going to do. We are looking forward to 'Vlaanderens Mooiste'."

For Marlen Reusser, the Tour of Flanders is the most beautiful race to win. "This is my favourite race. I'm satisfied with my form. We come to the start with a super-strong team, so of course we have a nice chance to win. But that also makes it more difficult. Everyone will be watching us. We have to win. So we cannot be too convinced of our abilities, but the feeling is definitely good. Why do I like 'De Ronde'? The succession of hills. It's just a tough course and I love that."

Sports manager Danny Stam is over the moon with his team's start to the season. "The girls who joined the team last winter fit super well within the team. With Demi Vollering, Lotte Kopecky, Marlen Reusser and Lorena Wiebes, we have four of the best riders in the women's peloton in our team. Moreover, they get along well. That creates a good atmosphere and in that everyone performs better. It is the overall picture, but still I am surprised about our season start. To already have eight wins on 1 April, that's just a dream. Obviously the goal is to add the Tour of Flanders to that list, but it won't be easy."

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