On Friday, Jumbo Visma's Wout Van Aert repeated her 2019 victory to be crowned Flandrian of the Year, while the women's award went to Lotte Kopecky of Lotto Soudal, who has steadily gained strength in recent years, for the first time, making 2020 a breakthrough year.

Kopecky, despite the Coronavirus outbreak and its impact on the racing season, won national titles in the Belgian road race and time trial, stage wins at the Giro Rosa, Le Samyn, Ghent-Wevelgem, and the Tour of Flanders, He had a great year with podium finishes in races such as the Driederage Brugge des Pannes, etc.

"From the first to the last classic, I was able to run at a high level. I think I can say that," the 25-year-old told Het Nieuwsblad after receiving the award.

"Age certainly has its place. Look at the top riders in international women's cycling. They're all in their late 20s or early 30s," she noted.

"Also, I'm feeling good about myself. I was able to get a good rest at the beginning of the road season and the first lockdown to recharge both physically and mentally."

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Kopecky explained that he has used the services of a sports psychologist to help him improve.

"A lot of people underestimate the mental aspect of cycling and sports in general a bit. Only when you feel 100% good about yourself can you perform well."

After five seasons with Lotto-Soudal, Kopecky will move to Liv Racing (CCC Liv's team this season) in 2021 for the spring classics, the summer rescheduled Madison on the track with Jolyan Dole at the Tokyo Olympics, and Flanders in September. He said he will target the UCI Road World Championships, which will be held in various locations.

"One day I want to win the Tour de Flanders or Paris-Roubaix. The first Roubaix was cancelled this season, but the cobblestones have already checked out and I think it will be a classic that will suit me."

Asked about her long-term future, Kopecký said she does not intend to make predictions: "I will continue racing until I get bored or until I want to have children (with my partner)."

She added: "I will continue racing until I get bored or until I want to have children.

"I want to participate in the Olympic Games in Paris in 2024 and continue after that. I know that 2021 will be one of the most important years of my career and that's why I'm happy to have had a good season, one that gives me confidence."