Demi Vollering will not start the 2025 Tour de Romandie Féminin after falling ill shortly before the race. The FDJ-Suez rider had been the pre-race favourite for the overall title, but organisers confirmed on Wednesday that she will miss the three-day event.
The Dutch rider finished 2nd overall in Romandie last year, just behind teammate Lotte Kopecky, and had planned to use the race as a key part of her build-up between the Tour de France Femmes and the World Championships. With the Worlds taking place in Rwanda later this month, it is now possible that Vollering will not race again until the rainbow jersey is on the line.
Photo Credit: KeystoneHer absence shifts the spotlight onto other contenders, including Tour de France Femmes third-place finisher Katarzyna Niewiadoma and Australian climber Sarah Gigante. Gigante impressed on the climbs in July but lost time on the descents, something she will hope to improve on in Romandie.
Other strong names on the start list include Pauliena Rooijakkers, Niamh Fisher-Black, Mischa Bredewold, and Yara Kastelijn, all of whom could shape the GC battle in Vollering’s absence.
