Liane Lippert (Movistar) admitted she was in disbelief when she crossed the line to land the biggest win of her career at the end of a thrilling Stage 2 at the 2023 Tour de France Femmes.
Asked if she expected to blast past Kopecky so convincingly, Lippert said: “No, I didn’t think I was going to win actually.
“I didn’t believe it even when I crossed the line. I thought maybe there was a breakaway or something, I still needed some time to realise.
“I’ve been waiting so long for a win and to win at the Tour de France, I couldn’t wish for more.”
Making her achievement all the more remarkable, Lippert recovered from two early crashes, one in the neutral zone and one on a climb as heavy rainfall wreaked havoc.
Such were the conditions on the road, the stage was marred by several crashes, including a nasty one for Eva van Agt (Jumbo-Visma), who had looked primed to challenge for victory after getting in a three-woman breakaway.
But Lippert used all her experience and wet-weather nous to battle back to the front and seal a landmark Tour de France Femmes victory for Germany, riding to glory in the national champions jersey.
“I think it will take a little bit to realise it but I’m really happy,” Lippert added.
“It’s so special, I’m really proud. I crashed two times – in the neutral and then on the climb – and there was a bit of stress but the team did so well.
“Everybody was a big part of this. The whole team… we came back after the crash and stayed calm in this rain but I always race well in the rain so I was actually happy when it started.”
Dani Christmas hails ‘exciting’ Lippert
Over on The Breakaway, Eurosport expert Dani Christmas was mightily impressed with Lippert’s win, describing her as one of the sport’s more “exciting” riders.
And although she is not a serial winner, Christmas insists her Stage 2 success should come as a surprise to no one.
“She’s a rider that we always enjoy watching race because she always makes it exciting,” she said.
“She’s been on the podium multiple times this year already. She was third in Stage 6 of the Giro, second in Fleche Wallone, she’s always there or there abouts but she’s just one of those riders who that top step has just eluded her for so long.
“One of those riders that everyone in the peloton will be like, ‘All right, fair one for that’.”
Dani Rowe agreed with Christmas and praised Lippert for the impact she’s had at Movistar since switching from Team DSM.
“They’re putting all their eggs into Annemiek [van Vleuten’s] basket, of course, but still giving the opportunity to Liane Lippert, which they did in the Giro as Dani mentioned,” Rowe said.
“She’s such an explosive rider. It’s brilliant to see how they have come together.
“She’s really strengthened the team herself and Floortje Mackaij, coming across from Team DSM, which is brilliant not only for herself but for Annemiek as well.”
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