Kopecky goes deep in Vejle for 11th on Denmark

Rising Czech star Matyas Kopecky banished the demons from the brutal circuits of last year’s edition of the Vejle stage of the PostNord Tour of Denmark today by narrowly missing out on the top ten to finish in 11th place for Team Novo Nordisk.

“It’s a double-edged sword really,” said Kopecky. “Because on the one hand, I’m extremely satisfied to have finished this stage much better than last year, I’m also disappointed to have just missed out on the top ten. I had big motivation to do well here today and all in all it’s a big step up from 2023.”

A fast start saw the battle for the breakaway begin immediately and seven riders go clear. With 231km on the menu and the climbing coming all in the second half the peloton were content to let the move go and then ramp up the pace for the final circuits.

Kopecky was switched on close to the front throughout and as the last laps ticked down and the early attack was neutralized the final moves came, with the 21-year-old right at the front and in the thick of the action.

“When Di Lie bridged across to the front he opened the gas and it was like a train departing,” continued Kopecky. “We were on the limit behind, but I tried to attack again with two other guys but miscalculated how many guys were in front and burned my matches there.”

“That moment was when the top ten went and it’s a good lesson to try and stay as lucid as possible in those moments when you’re on the limit.”