**Lotte Kopecky Announces Retirement After Storied Cycling Career**
Lotte Kopecky, the celebrated Belgian cyclist and multiple-time world and national champion, has officially announced her retirement from professional cycling, closing the book on one of the most accomplished careers in modern women’s racing.
At just 29, Kopecky has long been a dominant force on both the road and track, known for her explosive power, tactical brilliance, and unwavering determination. Over the past decade, she amassed an impressive collection of titles, including multiple world championships in track cycling and classics victories such as the Tour of Flanders and Strade Bianche. In 2023, she won the Tour de France Femmes points classification and placed second overall, cementing her status as one of the sport’s all-time greats.
In a statement released via her team, Kopecky expressed gratitude for her years in the peloton. “Cycling has given me more than I ever dreamed,” she wrote. “I’ve had unforgettable highs, tough battles, and moments I’ll carry with me forever. It’s time for me to take a new path, but I’ll always be proud of what I achieved.”
Kopecky’s retirement will leave a significant void in Belgian cycling, where she was not just a national icon but a trailblazer for the next generation of women riders. Known for her fierce competitiveness and sportsmanship, she inspired countless fans and helped elevate women’s cycling onto a global stage.
Although she has yet to confirm her post-retirement plans, there is widespread speculation that Kopecky may stay involved in the sport through coaching, advocacy, or media work.
Her departure marks the end of an era — but her legacy will no doubt endure for years to come.