Demi Vollering sealed her overall victory at the 2024 La Vuelta Femenina in spectacular fashion, delivering a solo win on the mountainous final stage to Valdesquí. The Dutch champion, riding for SD Worx-Protime, made a decisive attack with just over 6 kilometres to go, leaving her competitors trailing as she powered her way to the finish line in the red leader’s jersey.
“It was a bit nerve-wracking with the last climb not being very steep. But when we turned and had the wind at our back, I knew I had to make my move,” Vollering explained. She added, “I’m thrilled to have secured my overall victory in this manner, and I owe a lot to my teammates for their incredible support throughout the race. I’m really proud of us.”
This victory marks Vollering’s second grand tour win, having previously triumphed in the Tour de France Femmes. Looking ahead, she remains ambitious, stating, “This overall win is hopefully a good start for this summer. I’m looking forward to competing in the upcoming stage races and the Tour de France Femmes.”
(Photo Credit: Sprint Cycling Agency)
Riejanne Markus
Riejanne Markus also ended her campaign on a high note, capturing third place in the final stage and securing second overall. “It was a fantastic battle today,” Markus reflected. “The whole team gave everything they had, and I’m delighted with how things turned out. It was tough at the top, which helped me make the difference and move up in the standings compared to last year.”
Marianne Vos
Marianne Vos continued to demonstrate her enduring class, claiming her second-stage win of the race and the points classification. “The week started well with the team time trial, and we’ve been competitive throughout,” Vos commented. “Winning the points classification and securing two stage wins feels like a fitting end to this period of racing.”
Juliette Labous
Juliette Labous fought valiantly on the last day, managing to finish alongside Elisa Longo Borghini, who rounded out the top three overall. Labous described the day as “really tough,” especially praising her teammate Abi Smith, who was instrumental in the early breakaway and later supported her on the mountain. “It was a big fight on the last climb. I pushed hard, but the others were just stronger,” Labous noted, thankful for her team’s efforts.
Elisa Longo Borghini
Elisa Longo Borghini shared her reflections on a challenging week, expressing satisfaction despite not achieving her highest form. “It’s sport – sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. But third place in the Vuelta is not a bad result at all,” Longo Borghini stated, also mentioning her leadership in the UCI Women’s WorldTour.
Mireia Benito
Mireia Benito, recipient of the overall combativity prize at La Vuelta Femenina, expressed her satisfaction with her and her team’s performance throughout the race. “I believe today was another strong performance of the team. Everyone did their role exceptionally well, striving to secure a good position in the breakaway today. It’s truly gratifying to stand on the podium once again, especially receiving the Super Combativity Prize in La Vuelta Femenina. It boosts my confidence, also because it’s not easy to get into the breakaways. So I am very happy with the prize!” said a delighted Benito.
Veronica Ewers + Alison Jackson
EF Education-Cannondale riders shared their experiences, with Veronica Ewers and Alison Jackson highlighting the team’s unity and performance. “I’m really proud of how the team performed. We exceeded all our expectations,” said Ewers, with Jackson adding, “It’s been a phenomenal week. Winning stages and always being in the top ten has been fantastic.”
As La Vuelta Femenina concluded under the Spanish sun, the riders’ sentiments were a mix of exhaustion and elation, each carrying forward the momentum into their next competitions.
Main photo credit: Alex Berasategi
