Top ten for Kopecky in first sprint of Belgium Tour

An uphill finish by the sea in Knokke-Heist was the scene of the 12th top ten finish of 2024 for Matyas Kopecky with the versatile Team Novo Nordisk sprinter taking on the big names on stage two of the Baloise Belgium Tour and yet again holding his own.

“I had really good legs today,” said Kopecky. “Which surprised me after yesterday’s time trial because I remember last year suffering the day after, but today went better than expected.”

“I caught some wind in the final 500m and expended more energy than I needed too considering the ramp up to the finish, but against this field of the worlds best sprinters I’m happy with tenth”

The first road stage of this year’s race got underway close to Gent and set out north over the open tiaras towards the coast and the punchy finishing circuits of Knokke-Heist.

With the days breakaway forming in the first hour of racing and the anticipated crosswinds never really materializing, keeping the race under control was never really a problem for the sprinters teams and as the race hit the first of two local laps the bunch was altogether and heading to a fast finale.

“As we hit the circuits me and Andrea were together and positioned quite well near the front,” continued Kopecky. “But we lost each other on the last lap and I knew I needed to try and move up to try and get the best position for the sprint, so went my own way for the last couple of kilometers.”

“It’s a nice start to the race and showing what we can do against top competition is always a good feeling and a strong motivator.”

Photo credits: Sprint Cycling Agency