Demi Vollering secured her second Tour de France Femmes title in Nice, overcoming challenges of illness, injury, and setbacks. Despite a crushed dream on Mont Ventoux in the seventh of the nine stages, her team emerged victorious for the first time, with Vollering claiming her fifth grand tour victory. Her season has been outstanding, winning prestigious races like the Giro d’Italia, Liege-Bastogne-Liege, and Tour of Flanders.
At 29, Vollering’s journey hasn’t been straightforward. After placing second in the Tour de France in 2024 and 2025, she contemplated a break from cycling. A reflective trip to the mountains, a childhood tradition, reignited her passion. This week, she returned to nature, speaking from her camper van about her triumphs and challenges with The Athletic.
The Foundation of a Champion
Vollering’s attachment to cycling started young, with her bike as a constant companion on family camping trips. Her older cousins, competitive cyclists, inspired her love for the sport. “Playing on the bike in the back garden,” she recalls, “I had a special connection to it.”
At the Tour de France Femmes, Vollering experienced highs and lows. She won three of the nine stages, a second title achieved despite a rollercoaster journey. Her expectation focused solely on winning Mont Ventoux, a feat she couldn’t accomplish. “It was like a crushed dream,” she notes.
With her team’s encouragement, Vollering found a way forward. She immediately planned her strategy for the next day. The team’s calculated leadout led to one of FDJ Suez’s most impressive victories, overturning the GC standings. “It’s incredible when everything works out perfectly,” she reflects.
Racing Through Pain
Despite a knee injury from a fall on stage three, Vollering’s drive didn’t waver. “The pain was intense but didn’t affect my performance ultimately,” she says. Wearing the yellow jersey, she held off competition to secure her 14th win of the season with a final lead of 1:18.
A trip to the mountains restored her passion for cycling. “I was so done, considering a year off. But the break reminded me of childhood joy,” she shares. The mountains became a refuge, allowing her to rediscover freedom in riding.
Challenges and Triumphs
Vollering faced mental and physical challenges. In 2024, a panic attack marred her final stage due to an undiagnosed injury. “The fear of disappointing others was overwhelming,” she explains. Learning to let go of others’ expectations was pivotal. A year later, she nearly quit after the toll of the competition.
Determined, she returned to the roads after a restorative break, winning the European Championship. “Challenging yourself provides purpose,” she affirms. She plans to expand her personal brand ‘Move to Dream’ and hopes her ideas will advance women’s cycling.
Building the Future
“Cycling has a vast fanbase but often relies on outdated practices. Innovation is needed,” Vollering asserts. She sees room for growth, advocating for changes in funding and team structures. “Stability in team names like city affiliations could engage more supporters.”
Vollering’s hopes include world championships, Olympics, multiple Tours, and growing her impact off the bike. “Bringing people together and elevating cycling fuels me,” she asserts. Her vision is of a sport reaching new heights and attracting a broader audience.