AG Insurance – Soudal heads to the Czech Republic

Tour de Feminin, which takes place from May 23 to 26 and had its first edition in 1987, will see AG Insurance – Soudal competing on Czech soil.

The AG Insurance - Soudal team selection consists of Julia Kopecky, Lore De Schepper, Margot Marasco, Maud Rijnbeek, Mirre Knaven, and Febe Jooris. The U23 riders will be bolstered by elite rider Maud Rijnbeek.

The four stages begin with a 12,6 kilometer individual time trial, starting and finishing at Krásná Upa square. The second stage also starts and finishes at the same location, but the riders will cover a distance of 109 kilometers, characterized by four climbs, including two ascents of the Vlčí Hora - Nobilis Tilia through two local circuits leading to the finish. The third stage, heading through the Šluknov Hills, starts and finishes at Rumburk square, with a total distance of 110.7 kilometers. The fourth and final stage on Sunday covers 114.6 kilometers through the Lusatian Mountains, starting in Varnsdorf and finishing in Krásná Upa. This last stage is one for the climbers.

For our rider Julia Kopecky, it is a multi-day race that feels like home. Julia lives in the Netherlands, as her mother is Dutch, but her father is Czech. Julia Kopecky was a revelation in last year's Tour de Feminin. She took bronze in the opening time trial, added silver in the next two stages, and finished just off the podium in the overall classification.

“For me, it's obviously fantastic to race in the Czech Republic; it always feels a bit like home. Last year, we already achieved fantastic results here, with three podium finishes and a fourth place in the general classification This year, we certainly have strong ambitions. The time trial we start with was already decisive last year, so it's important for all of us. I am personally looking forward to it the most. But the last stage is also very tough and can create differences, so it's full gas until the last day”, said an enthusiastic Julia Kopecky.