Demi Vollering’s Journey to Tour de France Femmes Victory
Demi Vollering achieved a historic feat last weekend by winning her second Tour de France Femmes title in Nice. This success comes despite facing illness, injury, and setbacks during key stages like Mont Ventoux in the seventh of the nine stages. Vollering, who rides for the FDJ United Suez team, has now secured her fifth grand tour victory.
The 29-year-old has had a remarkable season, also winning the Giro d’Italia, Liege-Bastogne-Liege, and the Tour of Flanders. However, Vollering nearly took a break from the sport after finishing second in the Tour de France in 2024 and 2025, feeling exhausted and disenchanted.
A reflective trip to the mountains rekindled her passion for cycling. Speaking from her camper van, Vollering shared with The Athletic her experiences of riding through pain to achieve Tour de France victory, overcoming burnout, and her aspirations for the sport’s future.
Early Connection with Cycling
Vollering’s connection to cycling began in her childhood. “Since I was a young kid, I was very attached to the bike,” she said. Growing up, family camping trips involved bike rides, cementing her bond with the sport. Older cousins in competitive cycling ignited her aspiration to pursue professional riding.
Highlights and Challenges in 2026 Tour
During the 2026 Tour, Vollering won three of nine stages, including one in the yellow jersey. Despite early setbacks, including disappointment on Mont Ventoux, her team’s strategic approach helped overturn these challenges.
Following a crash on stage three, Vollering faced knee pain but persisted to win. Wearing the yellow jersey, she held her lead against Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney, ensuring victory in Nice with a strong final performance.
Lessons from Past Setbacks
Past Tours presented mental and physical challenges for Vollering. In 2024, undiagnosed injuries and a missed opportunity at the title taught her valuable lessons about resilience and support from loved ones.
In 2025, after barely escaping burnout, she rejuvenated her love for cycling. Time spent in the mountains, disconnected from racing stress, helped her return stronger.
Vision for Cycling’s Future
Vollering aspires to elevate the sport by increasing its fanbase and addressing funding issues. She sees potential in structured teams and capitalizing on new revenue opportunities.
Despite her achievements, Vollering has more goals, including world championships and the Olympics. Off the bike, her aims include enhancing women’s sports and tying them closer to communities.
Demi Vollering continues to inspire by pursuing bigger dreams both on and off the bike.