Lotte Kopecký stressed the importance of live coverage in women's cycling ahead of the newly promoted Giro Donnay and Tour de France Femme.

After being relegated to the Pro Series in 2021 due to a lack of live coverage, Kopecký was given live coverage of all stages last year and World Tour status again in 2022.

The prize money will be higher this year, but Lotte Kopecky, who will line up at the start of the Giro in Sardinia next week, cites television coverage as an improvement for the race.

"I've said this many times before, but live coverage is the most important thing. I think all the improvements we are getting now are very good and positive for women's cycling."

The 45 minutes of live coverage per day is part of the UCI's standard for World Tour races, which Kopecky also praised.

"They have World Tour status, so they are obligated to do this live coverage. These are the rules, and whatever organization they are, they must be followed." If the Tour de France was held here and there was no live coverage, there would be a lot of discussion about it as well. I think the only good thing is that there will be live coverage."

The looming Tour de France femme almost certainly played a role in the changes made to the Giro Donne.

"Of course, with the Tour de France coming up, the Giro is hoping to attract some really good participants.

The Giro Donne is not the only race that has faced consequences for not providing adequate live coverage. Last month, the Ride London Classic, of which only the third stage was broadcast live, was provisionally relegated to the 2023 Pro Series.

Kopecky, who finished fourth overall in the race, welcomed the UCI's tightened criteria for WorldTour status.

"It was a good race and I had WorldTour status. But if you can't have this live coverage, then it shouldn't be a World Tour."

Kopecký said, "It's not a World Tour race, it's not a World Tour race.

"So maybe it's not a good thing for the organization, but maybe it's a good thing that they got this punishment. Hopefully in the future they will be able to do this and stay on the World Tour."