Kopecky vs Vollering: the endless duel

Kopecky, Vollering, Kopecky, Vollering. The roll of honour from the last four editions of the women’s Strade Bianche doesn’t exactly overflow with variety. But when the race is dominated by the two riders who have topped every major ranking in recent seasons, imagination becomes optional – with names like these, entertainment and prestige are guaranteed.

It’s true that Kopecky’s 2025 wasn’t one for the ages – even if it still included a Tour of Flanders victory – but there’s no denying that over the past few years these two have pretty much dictated the script of women’s cycling. Lotte has taken 53 wins, including two World Championships, three Tours of Flanders and a Paris–Roubaix, plus overall podiums at the Giro d’Italia Women and the Tour de France Femmes. Vollering counters with 55 victories of her own: a Tour de France, two Vueltas a España, two Liège–Bastogne–Liège titles, a European championship and a collection of continental and world medals to fill a trophy cabinet.

At Strade Bianche the head-to-head currently stands at 2–2, with the hope that in 2026 the scorecard will be updated once again. It’s also worth remembering that Lotte and Demi were teammates at SD Worx until the end of 2024, which meant that on more than one occasion one had to ride in service of the other, often easing off even when the legs were screaming to go.

There were also moments when, despite wearing the same jersey, they both decided to battle it out for glory. And Strade Bianche perhaps delivered the most striking example. In 2023, teammates, friends or rivals – take your pick – they fought it out shoulder to shoulder up the brutal Via Santa Caterina climb and through the streets of Siena, with Vollering snatching victory by photo finish in Piazza del Campo. Something never before seen in any edition of Strade Bianche, men’s or women’s.

An internal diplomatic crisis at SD Worx might have been expected, but instead the two champions reacted – at least publicly – with professionalism and pride. The following year they executed the perfect team plan: Kopecky followed Elisa Longo Borghini’s move, while Vollering locked the race down behind, acting as a stopper and allowing the reigning world champion to sit tight on the Italian’s wheel. On the ramp of Via Santa Caterina, Kopecky made her move, dropped Longo Borghini and rode clear to claim her second victory in Siena.

Last year, with Vollering having moved to FDJ–Suez, the two could have gone head-to-head in different colours for the first time, free of tactical riddles. But Kopecky’s calendar didn’t include Strade Bianche, and Demi took a clear-cut win. In a few weeks’ time we’ll find out whether this magnificent rivalry is about to deliver another electrifying chapter on the Tuscan gravel.

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