Julia Kopecký: From NXTG Racing to SD Worx-Protime
The ultimate proof of concept for NXTG Racing lies in the success of its alumni. Julia Kopecký (21) currently races at the elite level for Team SD Worx – Protime, having recently achieved significant milestones including winning the General Classification of the Tour de Feminin (2024, CZ) and securing multiple National Time Trial titles in the Czech Republic. She also participated in the Paris Olympics in 2024.
Julia’s journey validates the NXTG mission: fostering a passion for the sport in a supportive environment that allows riders the strategic freedom to learn, study, and grow.
The NXTG development philosophy
Julia credits her time at NXTG Racing as a crucial part of her athletic development, stating that it was “perfect” to spend her second junior year there. The environment allowed her to find deep enjoyment and passion for the sport.
“My time at NXTG racing was amazing, honestly. I cherish that time a lot,” Julia recalls. “I got to ride all the junior nations cups with an amazing group of girls, surrounded by professional staff.”
The team’s coaching philosophy was instrumental in shaping her approach to racing. “The way of racing I learned there has always stayed with me. We were eager to win and so we always tried to go for it but at the same time were free to make mistakes and learn. I feel like the learning curve was super steep because of this vision.”
Holistic growth: the person beyond the athlete
The NXTG commitment to the ‘whole person’ is central to its value proposition for partners. For Julia, this meant receiving full support to continue her education alongside her competitive cycling career.
“For me it was also amazing that the team gave me all the freedom to continue with my studies. They even supported it,” she explains. “With that I kept something next to my cycling which I think is super important. Cycling especially at a younger age should not be the only thing you’re pursuing.”
Julia continues to prioritize this balance even now, aiming to finish her bachelor’s degree this year. Beyond academics, the development environment fostered strong social connections. “I found friends within that group of girls that I am pretty sure I will have around me for the rest of my life. Also that is something super special.”
Cherished memories and team culture
While her time at NXTG was focused on high-level racing, Julia’s most cherished memories emphasize team morale and bonding, demonstrating the positive culture fostered by the staff.
As a highlight, she mentions the Nations Cups: “It was always so much fun to do stage races, especially abroad. The focus for good results was always there but we also shared sooo much laughter around those races and also always eating pizza afterwards.”
Her favorite anecdote comes from an early team bonding event: “We went with all the girls for a weekend to Limburg. There we did a gravel ride in, what felt like -10, and a boot camp survival activity. I just remember the amount of laughter and joy we all had while just getting to know each other and I think because of those activities we became a very tight group. And I always felt that we took that group energy with us to the races.”
The added value: Why NXTG is crucial for women’s cycling
Julia is clear on the team’s vital role in the wider cycling ecosystem, particularly for talent development and opportunity creation.
“I think a team like NXTG has a really big value to cycling,” she affirms. “It’s where girls, also from countries where the opportunities for good races are less, get chances to have nice races with a good, supported environment. You learn to race properly because there is the freedom to make mistakes and learn. And next to that there is a lot of space to have fun and enjoy spending time with a fine group of people.”
Advice and future ambitions
As a professional rider with SD Worx – Protime, Julia’s personal goals for the coming years are clear: “I hope to become a more whole rider in the upcoming years, mainly focused on the classics.” Her main competitive goal for next year is the World Championship in Canada, and her “big dream is to win a classic like Flanders or Paris-Roubaix one day.” She also remains committed to finishing her academic goals.
Julia’s advice for the current NXTG riders powerfully reinforces the team’s foundational philosophy:
“My biggest advice for the riders at NXTG is to really enjoy their time to the fullest and not focus too much on performance. After a couple years you will have to think back to those years with joy. If you find real pleasure in cycling it will give you all the energy you need!”