Lotte Kopecky (SD Worx-Protime) broke her streak of second-place finishes by winning the fourth stage of La Vuelta Femenina 2026. On a 115.6 km route between Monforte de Lemos and Antas de Ulla, the Belgian controlled the final sprint with support from her team. The time bonuses award her the overall leader's jersey.
SD Worx's tactical control in the final kilometers 🚴♀️
The Dutch team applied a systematic blockade in the final stretch. With Mischa Bredewold and Blanka Vas as lead-out riders, they kept Kopecky protected from the crosswind on the climbs of O Saviñao. The average speed exceeded 42 km/h in the last 15 km, neutralizing any attacks. The positioning strategy at the roundabouts of Antas de Ulla was key to avoiding ambushes from teams like FDJ-Suez.
Revenge is a dish best served in a sprint 🏆
After two second-place finishes, Kopecky must have thought the third time was the charm. But no, the Belgian decided the fourth stage was hers, like claiming change at the supermarket. Her team acted as a VIP escort, leaving rivals with their mouths open and the leader's jersey on. Now, someone just needs to remind her that winning also means defending the lead.