🔴 OFFICIAL NEWS: Lotte Kopecky was forced to withdraw midway through the Giro d’Italia due to a recurring back injury – but what shocked the community even more was the real reason behind it, which the SD Worx team tried to hide until the last minute.

In a shocking turn of events that has left cycling fans across the globe both heartbroken and furious, Belgian cycling star Lotte Kopecky has officially withdrawn from the Giro d’Italia Donne 2025, citing a recurring back injury as the cause. However, what initially seemed like a straightforward medical withdrawal has now spiraled into a storm of controversy, as insiders allege that the true reason behind Kopecky’s exit was far more personal—and deliberately concealed by Team SD Worx.

The official announcement came late on Stage 6, with a brief team statement saying that Kopecky had “experienced increasing discomfort from a chronic back issue” and that she would be pulled from the race “as a precautionary measure.” At first, fans and media accepted the explanation, recalling her previous battles with physical strain during long tours. But within hours, cracks in the narrative began to emerge.

Multiple sources close to the peloton claim that Kopecky was not just suffering from physical pain—but mental and emotional exhaustion after ongoing tensions within the SD Worx camp. Whispers of conflicts over leadership roles, race tactics, and internal pressure have plagued the team since early this season, especially after Kopecky’s meteoric rise following her Tour de France Femmes success in 2024. According to one anonymous staff member, “The back pain was real, but it wasn’t the only thing breaking her down.”

Rumors have circulated for weeks that Kopecky had grown increasingly frustrated with how decisions were being made around her, especially with other high-profile riders on the team vying for dominance in major races. SD Worx, known for its depth of talent, has often been criticized for its internal hierarchy—and it appears that friction may have finally reached a boiling point.

To make matters worse, a leaked message allegedly from within the team’s communications group revealed that the plan was to “mask any controversy with a medical exit” to avoid media speculation and sponsor concern. Though the team has denied this and continues to stand by the official back injury statement, the cycling world isn’t convinced.

Fans have taken to social media in droves to voice their support for Kopecky, with hashtags like #FreeLotte and #LetHerRide trending across X and Instagram. Many are demanding transparency from SD Worx, accusing them of protecting their public image at the expense of a rider’s mental well-being. Some are even calling for Kopecky to part ways with the team entirely, suggesting her talents and spirit deserve a more supportive environment.

Kopecky herself has remained mostly silent, only posting a short message: “I gave everything I could. Sometimes, stepping back is the only way to move forward. Thank you for the love.” The post, though vague, only added to the speculation that her exit was not solely about injury.

For now, the Giro d’Italia will go on without one of its brightest stars, but the damage to SD Worx’s reputation may linger long after the final stage. As more details emerge and fans demand answers, the story of Lotte Kopecky’s withdrawal is becoming less about pain—and more about politics, pressure, and the hidden price of elite competition.