The 27-year-old SD Worx rider rode on the attack for 45 kilometres, of which she finished the last 18 kilometres solo after a great attack on the Oude Kwaremont where she left her fellow breakaway rider Silvia Persico (UAE) behind. In doing so, Kopecky also made history: she became the second rider after Mirjam Melchers in 2005 and 2006 to win Vlaanderens Mooiste two years in a row.

The Koppenberg was the breaking point in the race. Because Liane Lippert (Movistar) skidded and had to put her foot down, the race broke wide open. Only Marlen Reusser and Persico were able to stay upright and so rode away. Kopecky had to put a foot on the ground for a moment, but she was soon able to pull herself back up. Together with teammate Lorena Wiebes, she rode to Reusser and Persico. At that point, Team SD Worx was in the lead with three riders.

After the Kruisberg, only Kopecky and Persico remained, after which last year's winner on the Oude Kwaremont began her raid for victory. Demi Vollering then won the sprint of seven riders for second place, while Marlen Reusser finished seventh. 

Kopecky: "As a team, we had designated the Koppenberg to be at the front. We knew from the reconnaissance that it was wet and slippery. If someone then sets foot on the track, the rest behind you have to do the same. I didn't panic. I had to put my foot down for a moment, but was soon able to jump back on the bike."