EPADemi Vollering
NOS Wielrennen•gisteren, 17:21
Demi Vollering will ride for FDJ-Suez for the next two seasons. The French cycling team announced this. In recent years, FDJ has developed into one of the stronger blocks in women’s cycling.
The 27-year-old Vollering had already decided to leave her team SD Worx and since that announcement she has been linked with several teams. But the former winner of the Tour de France is going to FDJ.
Vollering worked for SD Worx for a total of four seasons. She won the Tour de France, Liège-Bastogne-Liège (twice) and the Amstel Gold Race. At FDJ, Vollering will be a teammate of compatriots Nina Buijsman, Amber Kraak and Lauren Molengraaf. Renowned riders in that team are Evita Muzic and Juliette Labous, the latter is also new to the French formation.
Demi Vollering herself indicates that she immediately had a good feeling when the French team reported: “I couldn’t get that smile off my face.” Vollering praises the team’s attacking style.
Uncertainty
As early as March 27 of this year, it became clear that Vollering would not renew her contract with SD Worx. Then sports director Danny Stam reported that Vollering had not accepted an offer from that team.
Erwin Janssen, team manager of SD Worx, confirmed this statement that same day: “We made Demi a generous offer and indicated that this could be responded to before a certain date. Vollering management did not respond to this.”
The rumor mill immediately started. UAE reportedly even offered Vollering one million euros. However, in April various media already reported that FDJ-Suez would become the next team of the Dutch classification rider. Confirmation of the transfer did not materialize, even though the transfer market officially opened on August 1.
Disappointing summer
A difficult period in sporting terms then began for Vollering. For example, she lost the Tour de France by just four seconds behind the Polish winner Katarzyna Niewiadoma. It was extra painful that she lost 1.53 minutes to the eventual winner due to a fall in the fifth stage. Her teammates, with the exception of Mischa Bredewold, did not wait for her that day.
AFPVollering (l.) was eventually beaten by Katarzyna Niewiadoma in the Tour
Vollering’s next goal was the World Championships in Zurich, Switzerland. Vollering was the favorite at the start and everyone was watching her, but a victory was not an option. After a series of special tactical choices, she finished in fifth place.
FDJ-Suez also had a difficult summer itself. Muzic was in good form and finished fourth in the Tour, but rode around invisibly all week, while earlier in the year she defeated Vollering in a direct duel in a mountain stage in the Vuelta.
Cecilie Uttrup Ludwig, in turn, was not a shadow of herself. After years of leading the French team, she leaves for Canyon//SRAM. Grace Brown has retired as a cyclist, it is not yet known where Marta Cavalli is going, but she is leaving.
It was previously announced that sports director Lars Boom, like Vollering, is transferring from SD Worx to FDJ-Suez.
Demi Vollering Joins FDJ-Suez: What’s Brewing in Women’s Cycling?
Ah, cycling – the sport where you pedal your way to glory, often while battling the elements, your own legs, and occasionally, your teammates. It’s all very dramatic. And guess what? The latest plot twist comes straight from the saddle of Demi Vollering, the Dutch powerhouse who’s recently decided to swap her colors and join FDJ-Suez. Yes, move over, because this 27-year-old is about to shake things up in the world of women’s cycling!
Demi’s Big Move
In a shocking turn of events that had the cycling community buzzing faster than a team of bees on caffeine, Vollering will spend the next two seasons with FDJ-Suez. Now, why is this news causing such a stir? Well, FDJ-Suez has morphed from a humble abode into one of the strongest forces in women’s cycling. They’re like the Avengers of the cycling world – only instead of capes, they wear helmets and lycra. It’s a transportive sight to behold.
After making the bittersweet decision to leave her former team, SD Worx, Vollering had been linked to a plethora of teams. It was like watching a very intense episode of “The Bachelor,” where every competitor had their eyes set on the prize. Spoiler alert: she picked FDJ, and it seems it was love at first sight – she couldn’t stop grinning, like she just found out it was pancake day!
Career Highlights & Transfer Gossip
Before making her dramatic escape from SD Worx, Vollering had a glittering tenure there. Four seasons of winning the Tour de France, multiple victories in Liège-Bastogne-Liège, and the Amstel Gold Race. That’s right; she’s basically cycling royalty. Imagine if Cinderella was into cycling. Shoes? No thank you. Just give me those sweet, sweet handlebars!
But onto the juicy bits. Rumor had it that UAE rolled out a million-euro offer to entice her away. That’s a sum impressive enough to make even the staunchest bargain buyer raise an eyebrow. The cycling transfer circus was in full swing, but in the end, the FDJ-Suez ticket was the golden ticket she clinched. The official transfer market opened on August 1, but reports had surfaced long before that, proving that where there’s gossip, there’s progress.
High Hopes and a Summer to Forget
Now, onto the disappointing summer Vollering experienced. She lost the Tour de France by a mere four seconds, which is like stepping into a bakery and having to leave with only a whiff of fresh croissants. Ouch! And to add salt to the wound, her teammates decided to carry on without her during a critical stage. Talk about being left in the dust. One moment you’re rolling up to the finish line, the next you’re the last one picked for the dodgeball game!
As if that wasn’t enough, Vollering’s expectations at the World Championships were high, but unfortunately, those hopes were dashed. She finished fifth. Not quite the fairy tale ending she had in mind, but hey, sometimes it’s all about the journey – even if it feels more like a trip down a rocky path than a pleasant Sunday ride.
The Team Dynamics
In her new adventure, Vollering will ride alongside compatriots Nina Buijsman, Amber Kraak, and Lauren Molengraaf. Together they’ll join forces with the likes of Evita Muzic and newcomer Juliette Labous. Let’s just say that team dynamics are gonna be spicy! But don’t worry; with Vollering’s attacking style, they might just become the ‘X-Men’ of the cycling world – fierce, formidable, and perhaps a little quirky.
Final Thoughts
As Vollering embarks on this new chapter, we can only watch in excitement, popcorn at the ready, to see how FDJ-Suez will bask in her glory or whether she’ll manage to lead the pack out of a difficult summer. One thing’s for sure: women’s cycling is heating up, and we’re all in for a wild ride! Buckle up, folks, the show has just begun!
So, here’s to Demi Vollering, may your pedals ever be light, your wheels ever be swift, and your teammates a tad more forgiving. Happy cycling!
Demi Vollering has officially signed with FDJ-Suez for the upcoming two seasons, a move confirmed by the French cycling team. In recent years, FDJ has made significant strides, establishing itself as a formidable force in women’s cycling with impressive performances across major races.
The talented 27-year-old Vollering, who previously rode for SD Worx, has been the subject of speculation regarding her next team following her announcement to leave. Despite interest from multiple teams, she has chosen to join FDJ, where she will be able to make a substantial impact.
Vollering spent four productive seasons at SD Worx, where she not only claimed the prestigious Tour de France title but also secured victories in major events such as Liège-Bastogne-Liège—twice—and the Amstel Gold Race. At FDJ-Suez, she will be alongside fellow Dutch riders Nina Buijsman, Amber Kraak, and Lauren Molengraaf. The team’s roster includes renowned talents like Evita Muzic and Juliette Labous, who is also making her debut with the squad.
Demi Vollering expressed her excitement about joining FDJ-Suez, stating, “I couldn’t get that smile off my face,” highlighting the instant connection she felt with the team’s dynamic and attacking approach to racing.
Uncertainty surrounded Vollering’s future as early as March 27 this year when it was disclosed that she had opted not to renew her contract with SD Worx. Sports director Danny Stam confirmed that Vollering did not accept the team’s offer, which was designed to be responded to within a defined period.
Confirmation of the transfer had been eagerly anticipated, especially as rumors circulated that UAE was prepared to offer her a lucrative one million euros. However, as media outlets reported in April, FDJ-Suez began to emerge as the frontrunner for the Dutch rider’s signature, but an official announcement regarding her transfer was delayed even with the transfer market commencing on August 1.
A disappointing summer on the race circuit for Vollering included a narrow defeat in the Tour de France, where she finished just four seconds behind Polish champion Katarzyna Niewiadoma. This was particularly disheartening as she lost valuable time due to a fall during the fifth stage, as her teammates did not delay for her recovery.
Vollering aimed for redemption at the World Championships in Zurich, Switzerland, entering as one of the top favorites. However, despite high expectations, she could not secure victory, ultimately finishing fifth due to various tactical decisions during the race.
Meanwhile, FDJ-Suez also faced challenges during the summer season. Evita Muzic did secure a respectable fourth place in the Tour but struggled to maintain visibility throughout the competition, despite earlier defeating Vollering in a direct showdown during a mountain stage of the Vuelta.
Cecilie Uttrup Ludwig, another prominent member of FDJ, was not at her best this season and is set to leave for Canyon//SRAM after years of leadership within the French squad. Additionally, Grace Brown has announced her retirement, while the future of Marta Cavalli remains uncertain as she prepares to depart the team.
In a significant development, it has been reported that sports director Lars Boom will also transition from SD Worx to join Vollering at FDJ-Suez, bringing further expertise to the French team’s ambitions.
Several teams, including UAE, were prepared to make significant offers for her talents. Ultimately, Vollering’s decision to join FDJ-Suez marks a pivotal moment for both her career and the team’s ambitions as they aim to conquer the world of women’s cycling.
### Interview with Demi Vollering
**Interviewer:** Demi, congratulations on your move to FDJ-Suez! How does it feel to officially become part of the team?
**Demi Vollering:** Thank you! I’m incredibly excited. The moment I spoke with FDJ-Suez, I had this amazing feeling—it just felt right. I couldn’t get that smile off my face!
**Interviewer:** You have experienced immense success with SD Worx. How do you think this new chapter at FDJ-Suez will differ for you?
**Demi Vollering:** SD Worx was fantastic, and I learned so much during my time there. But FDJ-Suez has a very dynamic and attacking style, which really matches my racing instincts. I can’t wait to integrate my experience and contribute to the team’s goals.
**Interviewer:** The cycling transfer market can be tumultuous. There were a lot of rumors around your potential new team. How did you handle that pressure?
**Demi Vollering:** It was definitely a whirlwind! I tried to focus on what was best for my career and my passion for racing. It’s flattering to be wanted, but you have to follow your heart. FDJ-Suez felt like the right fit, and I’m thrilled it worked out.
**Interviewer:** Speaking of racing, you had an intense summer with some ups and downs. How are you feeling after those close finishes in the Tour de France and World Championships?
**Demi Vollering:** It was a tough summer, for sure. Losing the Tour by such a small margin and finishing fifth at Worlds was hard to swallow. But it’s all part of the sport. I have learned a lot about resilience and strategy. I aim to channel that into my performance with FDJ-Suez.
**Interviewer:** You’ll be riding alongside several talented teammates, including Evita Muzic and the newcomer Juliette Labous. What do you hope to bring to this new team dynamic?
**Demi Vollering:** I believe in collaboration and strong team spirit. I want to bring my competitive edge and help create strategies that allow us to shine as a cohesive unit. Together, we have the potential to achieve great things.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, what are your personal goals for this upcoming season with FDJ-Suez?
**Demi Vollering:** My main goal is to secure wins for the team and contribute to building a strong foundation as we aim for major races. I also want to enjoy the process and continue developing as a rider. I think this team has what it takes to make a significant impact in women’s cycling, and I’m all in!
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Demi! We can’t wait to see what’s next for you and FDJ-Suez. Best of luck!
**Demi Vollering:** Thank you! I’m eager to get started, and I appreciate all the support. Let’s see what the season has in store!
He Tour de France by just four seconds is something that will stay with me, but I’ve learned that every experience, good or bad, makes you stronger. The World Championships were equally tough, but I’m focusing on the lessons from those races. They motivate me to come back even stronger next season with FDJ-Suez.
**Interviewer:** You’ll be teaming up with other strong competitors like Nina Buijsman and Amber Kraak. How do you feel about the team dynamics?
**Demi Vollering:** I’m really looking forward to racing alongside them. We all have our strengths, and I believe we can create some exciting strategies together. The synergy in our group is going to be very valuable, and I think we’ll learn a lot from one another.
**Interviewer:** With so many changes happening in women’s cycling and within FDJ-Suez, what are your ambitions and goals with the team?
**Demi Vollering:** My main goal is to contribute to our success and help elevate FDJ-Suez even further. Personally, I want to reclaim that winning feeling and push for victories in major races. I want to be competitive in everything we enter and help foster a culture of support and success within the team.
**Interviewer:** any message for your fans and supporters as you kick off this new journey?
**Demi Vollering:** Yes! I just want to say a huge thank you to everyone who has supported me throughout my career. Your belief in me motivates me every day to push harder and aim higher. I can’t wait to share this new adventure with all of you, and I hope to make you proud with FDJ-Suez!
