Demi Vollering has reflected on a challenging 2024 season, detailing the pressures, injuries, and criticism she endured in an interview with NOS. Despite her difficulties, the Dutch rider is optimistic about her future, including her move to FDJ-Suez and a revised approach for the upcoming season.
Vollering admitted that the lofty expectations following her dominant 2023 season – where she claimed victories at the Tour de France Femmes, Liège–Bastogne–Liège, and Strade Bianche – left her feeling overwhelmed. “I wanted so badly to win that I became too afraid to lose,” she said, describing how her emotions played a significant role in shaping her performances throughout the year.
Early stress and SD Worx departure
The pressure began mounting in March when, just before the Tour of Flanders, SD Worx announced that Vollering would leave the team at the end of 2024. “I wasn’t ready for that news,” she told NOS. “It caused a lot of stress in the first few months of the season.”
Although she managed to regroup later in the year and secure a victory at the Vuelta Femenina, the uncertainty surrounding her departure lingered. “Leaving SD Worx wasn’t easy,” Vollering said. “I had four wonderful years with the team, but the decision weighed heavily on me throughout the season.”
Photo Credit: GettyTour de France Femmes heartbreak
One of the toughest moments of Vollering’s year came during the Tour de France Femmes. After winning the time trial in Rotterdam and wearing the yellow jersey, her campaign unravelled in stage five when a crash left her with a fractured coccyx. “I kept feeling pain after the Tour, so I went to the hospital for scans. That’s when we found out it was fractured,” she revealed.
Despite her injury, Vollering fought hard to stay in contention but fell just four seconds short of overall victory to Kasia Niewiadoma after a gripping finale on Alpe d’Huez. The injury, however, had long-term consequences. “I couldn’t do proper strength training, running, or even sprinting, but I still wanted to race the World Championships,” Vollering explained.
World Championships fallout
The World Championships in Zurich proved to be another difficult race for Vollering, despite competing on home soil. She confessed to being mentally blocked during the event, which led to tactical errors in the final stages. “I wasted my energy and made some mistakes,” she admitted. “I realised it immediately after the finish, but by then it was too late. You learn from those moments, though, and I hold onto that for the future.”
Vollering’s performance sparked criticism, including harsh comments on social media and in the press, but she leaned on her inner circle for support. “Thankfully, the people close to me don’t think I’m selfish,” she said.
Photo Credit: GettyExcitement for FDJ-Suez and a new approach
Looking ahead to 2025, Vollering is ready to turn the page as she joins FDJ-Suez. She had already decided on the move earlier in the year, revealing how inspired she felt after her first meeting with the team. “I walked out of that meeting with a big smile. I felt the fire within the team,” she said to NOS.
The new chapter also comes with a different approach to her racing calendar. “We’re focusing on career goals rather than seasonal targets,” she explained. “Like Tadej Pogacar and Mathieu van der Poel, I’ll race fewer events but aim to be in top condition for each one.” Vollering confirmed that her primary objectives for 2025 will once again include the Ardennes Classics and the Tour de France Femmes.
“Winning the Tour again is incredibly important to me,” she said, expressing her determination to build on the lessons of 2024 and return stronger in the seasons to come.
