Lotte Kopecký (SD Works) won her second consecutive Tour of Flanders, becoming only the second rider to defend her title after 2004/2005 winner Mirjam Melchers.

"It's kind of unbelievable. Last year, Flanders was my dream race, and to win it twice in a row is very special," the 27-year-old said at her victory press conference.

In women's cycling, Belgium has often been overshadowed by its northern neighbor. While the Netherlands has produced top riders with incredible speed, including double Tour de Flanders winner Märjes, the Belgians have often struggled to reach the same level.

Last year, Kopecký won his first Flanders race in the symbolic black, yellow, and red jersey of the Belgian champion, ahead of Annemiek van Vleuten (Movistar Team). This year, he started the race with the number 1 number and enjoyed the support of his countrymen, despite the pressure of a cycling enthusiast country.

"I feel there are a lot of fans who want me to win. But I also know that my whole country is rooting for me, and I just have to do my best. Kopecky added, "They were great fans, cheering me on throughout the parcours.

In mid-March, Kopecky suffered a personal loss when his brother Seppe passed away. He was two years older than her sister and was one of the reasons she took up cycling as a sport. Although everyone grieves differently, Kopecký won the Nokélé course with a long solo ride a few days after her brother's death. After her victory in Flanders, she touched on the issue briefly.

"Cycling was already there in my life. When I am on the bike I feel free and I don't have to think too much. Sometimes it helps to get the frustrations out of my head. That's all I can say," she explained.

Team SD Walks has won nine Spring Classics, three of them by Kopecký. After a spectacular victory in Flanders and a rest, attention turned to the Paris-Roubaix Fam on April 8.

"I want to have fun with the team today. I want to eat something and spend some time together tonight. Tomorrow I will definitely not touch the bike. And on Tuesday we will focus on Roubaix," Kopecký said.

The classic in Pavé, France, is still a winless event for Kopecký's team, as Trek-Segafredo's Lizzie Deignan and Elisa Longo Borghini have won it. However, Kopecký has been one of the best runners in this year's competition, and with the strong field around her, she admits that she is one of the favorites to win.

"I can go to Roubaix with confidence," he said. I don't expect to win by any means." It's a whole new day, a whole new race, and everyone has a new chance."