Kopecky looking to put worlds disappointment behind him at Binche-Chimay-Binche
29 September 2024
After a season packed with top ten results and near misses in one day races versatile Czech sprinter Matyas Kopecky returns for Team Novo Nordisk in Belgium on Tuesday looking for another throw of the dice at Binche-Chimay-Binche.
Kopecky represented the Czech national team in the U23 road race at both the European and World Championships recently. Misfortune in the form of an untimely crash in Zurich followed a strong tenth place at the euros leaving the 21-year-old frustrated and targeting a better end to his 2024 season.
“Binche-Chimay-Binche will provide a stern test for us on Tuesday,” said General Manager Vassili Davidenko. “It’s our penultime race in Europe for this season and it would be fantastic to see another positive result for us in Belgium.”
“Matyas has come close time and again in one day races this year, and after proudly representing his country at both the European and World Championships recently it’s great to have him back and focused on finishing the season strongly.”
Kopecky will count on strong support in the 36th edition of the Wallonian semi classic by Italian Filippo Ridolfo, the highly experienced David Lozano and Australian rouleur Declan Irvine.
“Tuesday’s parrcours suits me really nicely,” said Kopecky. “After looking at last year’s race it is a selective final, where I could play a nice role. I’ll be waiting over the next couple to days to see how the legs are going to be, but I’m looking forward to being back with the team and fighting for a result.”
“I had mixed experiences at the European and World Championships, but one thing was the same – I felt I had the legs to do better in both races. Obviously, the circumstances of each race were completely different and in Zurich it was more about luck than bad decisions. I got hit from behind, had to change bikes, chase back in and I never saw the front of the race again, but I learnt a lot and representing your country is always very special.”
Manxman Sam Brand, Italian Antonio Polga complete the line up alongside Belgian native Quinten De Graeve.
Team Novo Nordisk at Binche-Chimay-Binche, Tuesday 1st October:
Sam Brand (GBR, 33)
Quinten De Graeve (BEL, 23)
Declan Irvine (AUS, 25)
Matyas Kopecky (CZ, 21)
David Lozano (ESP, 35)
Antonio Polga (IT, 25)
Filippo Ridolfo (IT, 22)
Photo credits: Cassandra Donne