{"id":1869186,"date":"2026-04-06T07:19:27","date_gmt":"2026-04-06T04:19:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1869186"},"modified":"2026-04-06T07:19:27","modified_gmt":"2026-04-06T04:19:27","slug":"everybody-knows-somebody-who-is-struggling-powered-by-meditation-tearful-demi-vollering-embraces-emotions-of-first-tour-of-flanders-triumph","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1869186","title":{"rendered":"&#8216;Everybody knows somebody who is struggling&#8217; \u2013\u00a0Powered by meditation, tearful Demi Vollering embraces emotions of first Tour of Flanders triumph"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dNXJHS5WBEQ92bf9uQVsfZ-2560-80.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nWomen&#8217;s Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTour of Flanders Women\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;Everybody knows somebody who is struggling&#8217; \u2013\u00a0Powered by meditation, tearful Demi Vollering embraces emotions of first Tour of Flanders triumph<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline\">\nNews<\/p>\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\"><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nJames Moultrie <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T07:19:27Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n6 April 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Dutch rider discusses importance of constantly training her mind and revisiting the issue of mental health<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"mx-auto mb-4 flex items-center justify-start mx-0 my-5 p-0\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-700 mb-2 text-[12px] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-gray-700 [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"contentparsed\" id=\"content\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-contentparsed widget-content widget-contentparsed-content widget-content-parsed widget-content-parsed-content_document \">\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<section class=\"content-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"box less-space hero-image-wrapper\">\n<figure class=\"mb-0\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dNXJHS5WBEQ92bf9uQVsfZ-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dNXJHS5WBEQ92bf9uQVsfZ-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dNXJHS5WBEQ92bf9uQVsfZ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dNXJHS5WBEQ92bf9uQVsfZ-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dNXJHS5WBEQ92bf9uQVsfZ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dNXJHS5WBEQ92bf9uQVsfZ-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dNXJHS5WBEQ92bf9uQVsfZ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><figcaption class=\"mt-2\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"!m-0\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 sm:ml-1.5 font-base text-xs\">4<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div role=\"dialog\" class=\"hidden fixed inset-0 z-[999999999999999999] bg-[#33333370] flex items-center justify-center p-6 newsletter-modal\" data-batch-endpoint=\"https:\/\/newsletter-subscribe.futureplc.com\/v2\/submission\/submit_batch\" data-batch-source=\"302\" data-component-name=\"Newsletter:Modal\">\n<div class=\"bg-neutral-100 rounded-xl shadow-xl w-full lg:w-2\/3 xl:w-1\/2 p-6 relative max-h-[95vh] overflow-y-auto\">\n<div id=\"newsletter-capture-modal\">\n<div class=\"sm:text-xl text-base font-bold text-black mb-3 p-0 bg-inherit font-ui-heading\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<p class=\"text-gray-600 mb-4 text-sm sm:text-base font-article-copy\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<div data-component-name=\"Newsletter:NewsletterForm\">\n<hr class=\"modal_hr mt-3 mb-4 h-px bg-gray-300 border-0\">\n<div class=\"modal_footer block text-left opacity-80 text-[.8em] leading-[1.3em] mt-2 [&amp;&gt;a]:underline font-article-copy\">\nBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"newsletter-modal-confirmation\" class=\"hidden\">\n<p class=\"sm:text-xl text-base font-bold text-black mb-3 p-0\">You are now subscribed<\/p>\n<p class=\"text-gray-600 mb-4 text-sm sm:text-base\">Your newsletter sign-up was successful<\/p>\n<div id=\"newsletter-modal-confirmation__userlogin\" class=\"hidden\">\n<hr class=\"my-5 h-px bg-gray-300 border-0\">\n<div class=\"items-start flex flex-col h-full justify-between\">\n<div class=\"flcw-text pb-5 pt-2 leading-[1.3]\"> An account already exists for this email address, please log in.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-96cfcbc4-6909-4f51-b986-457be9c3421c\">Demi Vollering has always worn her heart on her sleeve as a rider so it was no surprise to see the Dutch rider tear up while digesting her first Tour of Flanders win, emphasising that it was a success driven not just by the body but also the mind.<\/p>\n<p>Having been led out twice by FDJ United-SUEZ teammate Franzi Koch on the Kruisberg and Oude Kwaremont, Vollering scorched away with 18km remaining in a thrilling women&#8217;s race and rode solo to the line in Oudenaarde, bowing her head with her hands together in celebration.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-96cfcbc4-6909-4f51-b986-457be9c3421c-2\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Then came the roar of emotion, and she stopped to hold her bike above her head. It was, however, the first celebration which spoke to her constant advocacy for the importance of one&#8217;s mental health, an issue she has placed significant focus on amid her rise to the top.<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"article-continues-below block py-2 text-sm\">Article continues below <\/span><\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pb-0 pt-2 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[''] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[''] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 !text-base uppercase sm:text-sm font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wZwNcjWgNMZSmsDSgtmamP-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wZwNcjWgNMZSmsDSgtmamP-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;It&#8217;s like our minds are all connected&#8217; &#8211; Unspoken understanding between teammates helps power Demi Vollering to first-ever victory in Omloop Het Nieuwsblad<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/22ubmyxijUjB7pcMDyNv7P-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/22ubmyxijUjB7pcMDyNv7P-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;Tour de France will always be my biggest goal&#8217; &#8211; Demi Vollering confirms 2026 racing calendar with 11 major targets, but no Paris-Roubaix<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nWjVwHL6JaxuctmPiujKvg-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nWjVwHL6JaxuctmPiujKvg-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;I was just not strong enough&#8217; \u2013 Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot bettered by Demi Vollering&#8217;s Kwaremont power to finish second in Tour of Flanders again<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;I did, Namaste, since today was International Calm Day. I wanted to do something with this because I really enjoy doing meditation myself. I really feel like this is something that helps me in the race,&#8221; said Vollering in her winner&#8217;s press conference.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;I mean, we train our bodies so hard, but often we forget that in the end, it all happens here,&#8221; she said, pointing to her head as she&#8217;s done several times while winning big races. &#8220;Really, to make an effort to be calm in these kinds of races, it&#8217;s something that you need to train as well.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;I&#8217;ve been doing it, actually, since the beginning of this year, more and more. I picked it up again, because I did it in 2023 and then after it disappeared a bit, because I was like, &#8216;Well, I understand it now, and I think I have everything under control&#8217;, but in the end, I figured out that this is something that you need to keep training and you need to keep giving attention, because it&#8217;s the same with training your body.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Vollering revealed that she never skips more than one day from her meditation, and it was when she was asked whether mental health awareness was a common topic of discussion among the peloton that she began to choke up again.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-JgJ5SKmKiZYRVvoBSpzWeQ\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-JgJ5SKmKiZYRVvoBSpzWeQ slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Through the tears, she referenced her emotional win on stage 5 of last year&#8217;s Vuelta Femenina, which she described on the day as &#8220;a sacrifice for all the people who have a really hard time mentally,&#8221; and it again provoked strong emotion for her on Sunday evening.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;When I spoke out last year after La Vuelta, when I did that celebration and I talked about it in the interview, I got quite some girls who came to me and thanked me for speaking out about that,&#8221; she said. &#8220;Because I think in the end, everybody knows somebody who is struggling sometimes. It&#8217;s good to keep the conversation going.&#8221;<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"bringing-a-winning-culture-to-fdj-united-suez-3\">Bringing a winning culture to FDJ United-Suez<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-008a4aee-18cc-44b1-9429-73157c0b21cc\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9yfQ9LsrUASDQkVuHxvzA5-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9yfQ9LsrUASDQkVuHxvzA5-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9yfQ9LsrUASDQkVuHxvzA5-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9yfQ9LsrUASDQkVuHxvzA5-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9yfQ9LsrUASDQkVuHxvzA5-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9yfQ9LsrUASDQkVuHxvzA5-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">2026 Tour of Flanders winners Demi Vollering and Tadej Poga\u010dar <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-adaffe6f-9a1a-4339-a683-3a6dd51e1ca7\">Heading into the 2024 Tour of Flanders two seasons ago was when the external noise surrounding Vollering leaving SD Worx began to surface but she&#8217;s reaching new heights once again with her newfound clarity in 2026, and after a full season as FDJ United-Suez&#8217;s main leader.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pb-0 pt-2 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[''] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[''] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 !text-base uppercase sm:text-sm font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kkBVa5xY7v7FGodaUXSuoc-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kkBVa5xY7v7FGodaUXSuoc-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;I have mixed feelings&#8217; &#8211; Late-race gamble falls short for Demi Vollering at Dwars door Vlaanderen<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yho3cizkbuCvXcv7DuFFGY-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yho3cizkbuCvXcv7DuFFGY-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Tour of Flanders Women: Demi Vollering sails to victory after shedding rivals with a solo attack on Oude Kwaremont<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RuXegh4sHA7HCXYdWEEK4a-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RuXegh4sHA7HCXYdWEEK4a-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;I felt an obligation to be truthful and speak out&#8217; \u2013 Why Demi Vollering wants to keep periods and women&#8217;s health in the spotlight in cycling<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Despite enjoying several years of success working alongside the likes of Lotte Kopecky and Marlen Reusser on her former team, Vollering did admit that full focus on her from a dedicated squad does appear to bring the very best out of her.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;It&#8217;s 100% going for me, and we really make the plan for me. That&#8217;s different, of course, from having shared leadership, and in the past, I&#8217;ve enjoyed this as well,&#8221; she said.<\/p>\n<p>Vollering pointed out that sometimes it is easier to sacrifice yourself for teammates because then you don&#8217;t feel the pressure.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;So this is the hardest way to really feel all the pressure and everything 100% on your shoulders. But also, I know that I can do really well with this, and I need it,&#8221; Vollering said. &#8220;I need a whole team behind me and to believe all in me, because that only makes me even hungrier to really finish it off for the girls as well. I know that I am the best rider if I have a 100% committed team behind me.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Vollering&#8217;s excellence does seem to have raised everyone&#8217;s level at the French squad, perhaps shown best by Koch, who has been one of the signings of the season. It could also be seen in how the German champion and Elise Chabbey combined to win Strade Bianche when their leader was in the group that went the wrong way.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;As a person, I really like to share memories and emotions with the girls around me, and I really want to have a good connection with every rider; they really feel that. But also, of course, in the end, it&#8217;s easy for the girls, because they see that if they give this effort in a race, it pays off,&#8221; said Vollering.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;So for them, it&#8217;s so satisfying to do their job and to work as hard as possible for me, because they know that it&#8217;s needed \u2013 I need them to win races. There are days I really see that they get super excited, and also a bit nervous, like they were never in that position before in this race.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;It&#8217;s also something you can see makes them better, like Elise [Chabbey] also said to me after Strade, &#8216;Before, I would have been satisfied with second or third, but now, since you were in the team, I know only the win,&#8217; so then she pushed herself, really, for that win. I think it&#8217;s something that comes also by just winning races, that special feeling that everybody&#8217;s doing it for.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Vollering said a change of schedule to include Paris-Roubaix was unlikely, but she will take this great success from Flanders into her next races during the Ardennes, where her legs and her mind will once again make a formidable combination. The Tour of Flanders victory has made it clear that the best version of the former Tour de France Femmes winner is back in full force.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3823edd0-2fe9-460a-b596-7d64876205ae\"><em><strong>Get unlimited access to our unrivalled 2026 Spring Classics coverage with a Cyclingnews subscription. We&#8217;ll bring you breaking news, reports, and analysis from some of the biggest races on the calendar, including Milan-San Remo, Paris-Roubaix and the Tour of Flanders. <\/strong><\/em><u><em><strong>Find out more.<\/strong><\/em><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-JgJ5SKmKiZYRVvoBSpzWeQ\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-JgJ5SKmKiZYRVvoBSpzWeQ slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-hydrate=\"true\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div><source class=\"author__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5kc8nsofmMWAQECTbzYYw9-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5kc8nsofmMWAQECTbzYYw9.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5kc8nsofmMWAQECTbzYYw9.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5kc8nsofmMWAQECTbzYYw9.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">James Moultrie<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">Social Links Navigation<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">News Writer<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>James Moultrie is a gold-standard NCTJ journalist who joined\u00a0Cyclingnews\u00a0as a News Writer in 2023 after originally contributing as a freelancer for eight months, during which time he also wrote for Eurosport, Rouleur and Cycling Weekly. Prior to joining the team he reported on races such as Paris-Roubaix and the Giro d\u2019Italia Donne for Eurosport and has interviewed some of the sport\u2019s top riders in Chlo\u00e9 Dygert, Lizzie Deignan and Wout van Aert. Outside of cycling, he spends the majority of his time watching other sports \u2013 rugby, football, cricket, and American Football to name a few.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"mt-6 lg:px-0 relative max-w-[1070px] mx-auto viafoura-twig-component px-4\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class='vfcustom-community-guidelines'&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 !text-lg\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 !text-sm\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"mx-2 my-5 sm:mx-0\">\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-adviser:hybrid\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wZwNcjWgNMZSmsDSgtmamP-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wZwNcjWgNMZSmsDSgtmamP-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wZwNcjWgNMZSmsDSgtmamP-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wZwNcjWgNMZSmsDSgtmamP-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wZwNcjWgNMZSmsDSgtmamP-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It&#8217;s like our minds are all connected&#8217; &#8211; Unspoken understanding between teammates helps power Demi Vollering to first-ever victory in Omloop Het Nieuwsblad<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/22ubmyxijUjB7pcMDyNv7P-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/22ubmyxijUjB7pcMDyNv7P-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/22ubmyxijUjB7pcMDyNv7P-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/22ubmyxijUjB7pcMDyNv7P-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/22ubmyxijUjB7pcMDyNv7P-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Tour de France will always be my biggest goal&#8217; &#8211; Demi Vollering confirms 2026 racing calendar with 11 major targets, but no Paris-Roubaix<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nWjVwHL6JaxuctmPiujKvg-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nWjVwHL6JaxuctmPiujKvg-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nWjVwHL6JaxuctmPiujKvg-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nWjVwHL6JaxuctmPiujKvg-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nWjVwHL6JaxuctmPiujKvg-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s cycling (races)<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I was just not strong enough&#8217; \u2013 Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot bettered by Demi Vollering&#8217;s Kwaremont power to finish second in Tour of Flanders again<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kkBVa5xY7v7FGodaUXSuoc-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kkBVa5xY7v7FGodaUXSuoc-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kkBVa5xY7v7FGodaUXSuoc-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kkBVa5xY7v7FGodaUXSuoc-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kkBVa5xY7v7FGodaUXSuoc-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I have mixed feelings&#8217; &#8211; Late-race gamble falls short for Demi Vollering at Dwars door Vlaanderen<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yho3cizkbuCvXcv7DuFFGY-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yho3cizkbuCvXcv7DuFFGY-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yho3cizkbuCvXcv7DuFFGY-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yho3cizkbuCvXcv7DuFFGY-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yho3cizkbuCvXcv7DuFFGY-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tour of Flanders Women: Demi Vollering sails to victory after shedding rivals with a solo attack on Oude Kwaremont<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RuXegh4sHA7HCXYdWEEK4a-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RuXegh4sHA7HCXYdWEEK4a-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RuXegh4sHA7HCXYdWEEK4a-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RuXegh4sHA7HCXYdWEEK4a-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RuXegh4sHA7HCXYdWEEK4a-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I felt an obligation to be truthful and speak out&#8217; \u2013 Why Demi Vollering wants to keep periods and women&#8217;s health in the spotlight in cycling<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6KqJ39QfbRbnCTKbsGZzKY-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6KqJ39QfbRbnCTKbsGZzKY-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6KqJ39QfbRbnCTKbsGZzKY-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6KqJ39QfbRbnCTKbsGZzKY-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6KqJ39QfbRbnCTKbsGZzKY-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Ronde de Mouscron: Clara Copponi blasts away opposition to clinch powerful bunch sprint victory<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jcwvRUEuzovt7SHYCg2xNG-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jcwvRUEuzovt7SHYCg2xNG-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jcwvRUEuzovt7SHYCg2xNG-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jcwvRUEuzovt7SHYCg2xNG-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jcwvRUEuzovt7SHYCg2xNG-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Teams confirm Marlen Reusser and Kim Le Court-Pienaar both suffered fractures due to Tour of Flanders crash<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/f3zvCtE6GbvAo5UHRwbBsX-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/f3zvCtE6GbvAo5UHRwbBsX-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/f3zvCtE6GbvAo5UHRwbBsX-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/f3zvCtE6GbvAo5UHRwbBsX-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/f3zvCtE6GbvAo5UHRwbBsX-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;The win was not in our reach today&#8217; \u2013 Loss of Lorena Wiebes on Koppenberg costly for Lotte Kopecky in Tour of Flanders<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cr2RTiBiu8RcetVeVCih9X-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cr2RTiBiu8RcetVeVCih9X-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cr2RTiBiu8RcetVeVCih9X-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cr2RTiBiu8RcetVeVCih9X-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cr2RTiBiu8RcetVeVCih9X-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Cresting the Koppenberg with leaders &#8216;gave me a few goosebumps&#8217; \u2013 Zoe B\u00e4ckstedt impresses with fifth in Tour of Flanders<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nWjVwHL6JaxuctmPiujKvg-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nWjVwHL6JaxuctmPiujKvg-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nWjVwHL6JaxuctmPiujKvg-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nWjVwHL6JaxuctmPiujKvg-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nWjVwHL6JaxuctmPiujKvg-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s cycling (races)<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I was just not strong enough&#8217; \u2013 Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot bettered by Demi Vollering&#8217;s Kwaremont power to finish second in Tour of Flanders again<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yho3cizkbuCvXcv7DuFFGY-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yho3cizkbuCvXcv7DuFFGY-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yho3cizkbuCvXcv7DuFFGY-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yho3cizkbuCvXcv7DuFFGY-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yho3cizkbuCvXcv7DuFFGY-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tour of Flanders Women: Demi Vollering sails to victory after shedding rivals with a solo attack on Oude Kwaremont<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in News<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RrSTtZB8A7zGLPx4jcJ8n9-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RrSTtZB8A7zGLPx4jcJ8n9-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RrSTtZB8A7zGLPx4jcJ8n9-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RrSTtZB8A7zGLPx4jcJ8n9-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RrSTtZB8A7zGLPx4jcJ8n9-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I didn&#8217;t expect to win by such a margin&#8217; \u2013 A time trial triumph for Paul Seixas as he carves out first WorldTour stage victory and claims leader&#8217;s jersey at Itzulia Basque Country<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/B9bpUQRLuFY9kkbiqXRKEk-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/B9bpUQRLuFY9kkbiqXRKEk-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/B9bpUQRLuFY9kkbiqXRKEk-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/B9bpUQRLuFY9kkbiqXRKEk-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/B9bpUQRLuFY9kkbiqXRKEk-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Remco Evenepoel opts not to make debut at Paris-Roubaix, despite Tour of Flanders podium<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/isXfdqrBbNK6aQTNXVwnk5-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/isXfdqrBbNK6aQTNXVwnk5-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/isXfdqrBbNK6aQTNXVwnk5-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/isXfdqrBbNK6aQTNXVwnk5-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/isXfdqrBbNK6aQTNXVwnk5-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Top cobbled Classics support rider for Tadej Poga\u010dar reportedly extends contract for several seasons with UAE Team Emirates-XRG<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HWpAZBAgUw4PXXAigT3Rgk-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HWpAZBAgUw4PXXAigT3Rgk-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HWpAZBAgUw4PXXAigT3Rgk-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HWpAZBAgUw4PXXAigT3Rgk-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HWpAZBAgUw4PXXAigT3Rgk-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Itzulia Basque Country 2026: stage 1 time trial start times<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jcwvRUEuzovt7SHYCg2xNG-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jcwvRUEuzovt7SHYCg2xNG-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jcwvRUEuzovt7SHYCg2xNG-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jcwvRUEuzovt7SHYCg2xNG-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jcwvRUEuzovt7SHYCg2xNG-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Teams confirm Marlen Reusser and Kim Le Court-Pienaar both suffered fractures due to Tour of Flanders crash<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7sE99ZAQ2hoyR9PKgpYGTH-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7sE99ZAQ2hoyR9PKgpYGTH-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7sE99ZAQ2hoyR9PKgpYGTH-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7sE99ZAQ2hoyR9PKgpYGTH-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7sE99ZAQ2hoyR9PKgpYGTH-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;The pressure is low, like the tyres will be&#8217; \u2013 Liberated from Milan-San Remo and after latest Flanders exhibition, is the most ruthless Tadej Poga\u010dar yet heading for Paris-Roubaix?<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"widgetArea17\" class=\"widget-area md:basis-1\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-1-3 page-widget-area-17\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"dynamic\" id=\"popular-data\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-dynamic widget-popular-data widget-dynamic-popular-data widget-dynamic-fter-popular-box\">\n<div class=\"wdn-fte-pb pos-relative space-t20\n\"><\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-popularBox\" class=\"slice-container popular-box-slice popularBox slice-container-popularBox\">\n<section data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"popular-box\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label__tab popular-box__label__tab--active\" role=\"heading\">LATEST ARTICLES<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<ol class=\"popular-box__articles-list popular-box__articles-list--active\">\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__image-wrapper\">\n<div><source class=\"popular-box__article-list__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5b5JsNcrpyxRR7CHit7MLj-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5b5JsNcrpyxRR7CHit7MLj-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5b5JsNcrpyxRR7CHit7MLj-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5b5JsNcrpyxRR7CHit7MLj-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5b5JsNcrpyxRR7CHit7MLj.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5b5JsNcrpyxRR7CHit7MLj.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5b5JsNcrpyxRR7CHit7MLj.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">1<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">The next Australians on the path to the WorldTour? Taking a closer look at the riders who shot to the top at the 2026 ProVelo Super League<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">2<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;I didn&#8217;t expect to win by such a margin&#8217; \u2013 A time trial triumph for Paul Seixas as he carves out first WorldTour stage victory and claims leader&#8217;s jersey at Itzulia Basque Country<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">3<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Everything the Tour of Flanders can tell us about Paris-Roubaix \u2013 The Monument quintuple, no Remco Evenepoel, and Lotte Kopecky&#8217;s chances<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">4<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Remco Evenepoel opts not to make debut at Paris-Roubaix, despite Tour of Flanders podium<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">5<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Itzulia Basque Country: Paul Seixas pours on the power to win individual time trial opener and claim leader&#8217;s jersey<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nWomen&#8217;s Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTour of Flanders Women\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;Everybody knows somebody who is struggling&#8217; \u2013\u00a0Powered by meditation, tearful Demi Vollering embraces emotions of first Tour of Flanders triumph<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline\">\nNews<\/p>\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\"><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nJames Moultrie <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T07:19:27Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n6 April 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Dutch rider discusses importance of constantly training her mind and revisiting the issue of mental health<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"mx-auto mb-4 flex items-center justify-start mx-0 my-5 p-0\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-700 mb-2 text-[12px] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-gray-700 [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. 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Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"newsletter-modal-confirmation\" class=\"hidden\">\n<p class=\"sm:text-xl text-base font-bold text-black mb-3 p-0\">You are now subscribed<\/p>\n<p class=\"text-gray-600 mb-4 text-sm sm:text-base\">Your newsletter sign-up was successful<\/p>\n<div id=\"newsletter-modal-confirmation__userlogin\" class=\"hidden\">\n<hr class=\"my-5 h-px bg-gray-300 border-0\">\n<div class=\"items-start flex flex-col h-full justify-between\">\n<div class=\"flcw-text pb-5 pt-2 leading-[1.3]\"> An account already exists for this email address, please log in.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-96cfcbc4-6909-4f51-b986-457be9c3421c\">Demi Vollering has always worn her heart on her sleeve as a rider so it was no surprise to see the Dutch rider tear up while digesting her first Tour of Flanders win, emphasising that it was a success driven not just by the body but also the mind.<\/p>\n<p>Having been led out twice by FDJ United-SUEZ teammate Franzi Koch on the Kruisberg and Oude Kwaremont, Vollering scorched away with 18km remaining in a thrilling women&#8217;s race and rode solo to the line in Oudenaarde, bowing her head with her hands together in celebration.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-96cfcbc4-6909-4f51-b986-457be9c3421c-2\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Then came the roar of emotion, and she stopped to hold her bike above her head. It was, however, the first celebration which spoke to her constant advocacy for the importance of one&#8217;s mental health, an issue she has placed significant focus on amid her rise to the top.<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"article-continues-below block py-2 text-sm\">Article continues below <\/span><\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pb-0 pt-2 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[''] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[''] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 !text-base uppercase sm:text-sm font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wZwNcjWgNMZSmsDSgtmamP-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wZwNcjWgNMZSmsDSgtmamP-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;It&#8217;s like our minds are all connected&#8217; &#8211; Unspoken understanding between teammates helps power Demi Vollering to first-ever victory in Omloop Het Nieuwsblad<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/22ubmyxijUjB7pcMDyNv7P-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/22ubmyxijUjB7pcMDyNv7P-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;Tour de France will always be my biggest goal&#8217; &#8211; Demi Vollering confirms 2026 racing calendar with 11 major targets, but no Paris-Roubaix<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nWjVwHL6JaxuctmPiujKvg-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nWjVwHL6JaxuctmPiujKvg-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;I was just not strong enough&#8217; \u2013 Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot bettered by Demi Vollering&#8217;s Kwaremont power to finish second in Tour of Flanders again<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;I did, Namaste, since today was International Calm Day. I wanted to do something with this because I really enjoy doing meditation myself. I really feel like this is something that helps me in the race,&#8221; said Vollering in her winner&#8217;s press conference.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;I mean, we train our bodies so hard, but often we forget that in the end, it all happens here,&#8221; she said, pointing to her head as she&#8217;s done several times while winning big races. &#8220;Really, to make an effort to be calm in these kinds of races, it&#8217;s something that you need to train as well.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;I&#8217;ve been doing it, actually, since the beginning of this year, more and more. I picked it up again, because I did it in 2023 and then after it disappeared a bit, because I was like, &#8216;Well, I understand it now, and I think I have everything under control&#8217;, but in the end, I figured out that this is something that you need to keep training and you need to keep giving attention, because it&#8217;s the same with training your body.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Vollering revealed that she never skips more than one day from her meditation, and it was when she was asked whether mental health awareness was a common topic of discussion among the peloton that she began to choke up again.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-JgJ5SKmKiZYRVvoBSpzWeQ\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-JgJ5SKmKiZYRVvoBSpzWeQ slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Through the tears, she referenced her emotional win on stage 5 of last year&#8217;s Vuelta Femenina, which she described on the day as &#8220;a sacrifice for all the people who have a really hard time mentally,&#8221; and it again provoked strong emotion for her on Sunday evening.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;When I spoke out last year after La Vuelta, when I did that celebration and I talked about it in the interview, I got quite some girls who came to me and thanked me for speaking out about that,&#8221; she said. &#8220;Because I think in the end, everybody knows somebody who is struggling sometimes. It&#8217;s good to keep the conversation going.&#8221;<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"bringing-a-winning-culture-to-fdj-united-suez-3\">Bringing a winning culture to FDJ United-Suez<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-008a4aee-18cc-44b1-9429-73157c0b21cc\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9yfQ9LsrUASDQkVuHxvzA5-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9yfQ9LsrUASDQkVuHxvzA5-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9yfQ9LsrUASDQkVuHxvzA5-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9yfQ9LsrUASDQkVuHxvzA5-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9yfQ9LsrUASDQkVuHxvzA5-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9yfQ9LsrUASDQkVuHxvzA5-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">2026 Tour of Flanders winners Demi Vollering and Tadej Poga\u010dar <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-adaffe6f-9a1a-4339-a683-3a6dd51e1ca7\">Heading into the 2024 Tour of Flanders two seasons ago was when the external noise surrounding Vollering leaving SD Worx began to surface but she&#8217;s reaching new heights once again with her newfound clarity in 2026, and after a full season as FDJ United-Suez&#8217;s main leader.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pb-0 pt-2 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[''] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[''] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 !text-base uppercase sm:text-sm font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kkBVa5xY7v7FGodaUXSuoc-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kkBVa5xY7v7FGodaUXSuoc-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;I have mixed feelings&#8217; &#8211; Late-race gamble falls short for Demi Vollering at Dwars door Vlaanderen<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yho3cizkbuCvXcv7DuFFGY-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yho3cizkbuCvXcv7DuFFGY-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Tour of Flanders Women: Demi Vollering sails to victory after shedding rivals with a solo attack on Oude Kwaremont<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RuXegh4sHA7HCXYdWEEK4a-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RuXegh4sHA7HCXYdWEEK4a-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;I felt an obligation to be truthful and speak out&#8217; \u2013 Why Demi Vollering wants to keep periods and women&#8217;s health in the spotlight in cycling<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Despite enjoying several years of success working alongside the likes of Lotte Kopecky and Marlen Reusser on her former team, Vollering did admit that full focus on her from a dedicated squad does appear to bring the very best out of her.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;It&#8217;s 100% going for me, and we really make the plan for me. That&#8217;s different, of course, from having shared leadership, and in the past, I&#8217;ve enjoyed this as well,&#8221; she said.<\/p>\n<p>Vollering pointed out that sometimes it is easier to sacrifice yourself for teammates because then you don&#8217;t feel the pressure.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;So this is the hardest way to really feel all the pressure and everything 100% on your shoulders. But also, I know that I can do really well with this, and I need it,&#8221; Vollering said. &#8220;I need a whole team behind me and to believe all in me, because that only makes me even hungrier to really finish it off for the girls as well. I know that I am the best rider if I have a 100% committed team behind me.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Vollering&#8217;s excellence does seem to have raised everyone&#8217;s level at the French squad, perhaps shown best by Koch, who has been one of the signings of the season. It could also be seen in how the German champion and Elise Chabbey combined to win Strade Bianche when their leader was in the group that went the wrong way.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;As a person, I really like to share memories and emotions with the girls around me, and I really want to have a good connection with every rider; they really feel that. But also, of course, in the end, it&#8217;s easy for the girls, because they see that if they give this effort in a race, it pays off,&#8221; said Vollering.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;So for them, it&#8217;s so satisfying to do their job and to work as hard as possible for me, because they know that it&#8217;s needed \u2013 I need them to win races. There are days I really see that they get super excited, and also a bit nervous, like they were never in that position before in this race.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;It&#8217;s also something you can see makes them better, like Elise [Chabbey] also said to me after Strade, &#8216;Before, I would have been satisfied with second or third, but now, since you were in the team, I know only the win,&#8217; so then she pushed herself, really, for that win. I think it&#8217;s something that comes also by just winning races, that special feeling that everybody&#8217;s doing it for.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Vollering said a change of schedule to include Paris-Roubaix was unlikely, but she will take this great success from Flanders into her next races during the Ardennes, where her legs and her mind will once again make a formidable combination. The Tour of Flanders victory has made it clear that the best version of the former Tour de France Femmes winner is back in full force.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3823edd0-2fe9-460a-b596-7d64876205ae\"><em><strong>Get unlimited access to our unrivalled 2026 Spring Classics coverage with a Cyclingnews subscription. We&#8217;ll bring you breaking news, reports, and analysis from some of the biggest races on the calendar, including Milan-San Remo, Paris-Roubaix and the Tour of Flanders. <\/strong><\/em><u><em><strong>Find out more.<\/strong><\/em><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-JgJ5SKmKiZYRVvoBSpzWeQ\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-JgJ5SKmKiZYRVvoBSpzWeQ slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-hydrate=\"true\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div><source class=\"author__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5kc8nsofmMWAQECTbzYYw9-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5kc8nsofmMWAQECTbzYYw9.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5kc8nsofmMWAQECTbzYYw9.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5kc8nsofmMWAQECTbzYYw9.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">James Moultrie<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">Social Links Navigation<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">News Writer<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>James Moultrie is a gold-standard NCTJ journalist who joined\u00a0Cyclingnews\u00a0as a News Writer in 2023 after originally contributing as a freelancer for eight months, during which time he also wrote for Eurosport, Rouleur and Cycling Weekly. Prior to joining the team he reported on races such as Paris-Roubaix and the Giro d\u2019Italia Donne for Eurosport and has interviewed some of the sport\u2019s top riders in Chlo\u00e9 Dygert, Lizzie Deignan and Wout van Aert. Outside of cycling, he spends the majority of his time watching other sports \u2013 rugby, football, cricket, and American Football to name a few.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"mt-6 lg:px-0 relative max-w-[1070px] mx-auto viafoura-twig-component px-4\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class='vfcustom-community-guidelines'&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 !text-lg\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 !text-sm\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"mx-2 my-5 sm:mx-0\">\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-adviser:hybrid\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wZwNcjWgNMZSmsDSgtmamP-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wZwNcjWgNMZSmsDSgtmamP-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wZwNcjWgNMZSmsDSgtmamP-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wZwNcjWgNMZSmsDSgtmamP-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wZwNcjWgNMZSmsDSgtmamP-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It&#8217;s like our minds are all connected&#8217; &#8211; Unspoken understanding between teammates helps power Demi Vollering to first-ever victory in Omloop Het Nieuwsblad<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/22ubmyxijUjB7pcMDyNv7P-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/22ubmyxijUjB7pcMDyNv7P-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/22ubmyxijUjB7pcMDyNv7P-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/22ubmyxijUjB7pcMDyNv7P-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/22ubmyxijUjB7pcMDyNv7P-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Tour de France will always be my biggest goal&#8217; &#8211; Demi Vollering confirms 2026 racing calendar with 11 major targets, but no Paris-Roubaix<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nWjVwHL6JaxuctmPiujKvg-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nWjVwHL6JaxuctmPiujKvg-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nWjVwHL6JaxuctmPiujKvg-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nWjVwHL6JaxuctmPiujKvg-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nWjVwHL6JaxuctmPiujKvg-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s cycling (races)<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I was just not strong enough&#8217; \u2013 Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot bettered by Demi Vollering&#8217;s Kwaremont power to finish second in Tour of Flanders again<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kkBVa5xY7v7FGodaUXSuoc-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kkBVa5xY7v7FGodaUXSuoc-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kkBVa5xY7v7FGodaUXSuoc-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kkBVa5xY7v7FGodaUXSuoc-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kkBVa5xY7v7FGodaUXSuoc-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I have mixed feelings&#8217; &#8211; Late-race gamble falls short for Demi Vollering at Dwars door Vlaanderen<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yho3cizkbuCvXcv7DuFFGY-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yho3cizkbuCvXcv7DuFFGY-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yho3cizkbuCvXcv7DuFFGY-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yho3cizkbuCvXcv7DuFFGY-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yho3cizkbuCvXcv7DuFFGY-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tour of Flanders Women: Demi Vollering sails to victory after shedding rivals with a solo attack on Oude Kwaremont<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RuXegh4sHA7HCXYdWEEK4a-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RuXegh4sHA7HCXYdWEEK4a-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RuXegh4sHA7HCXYdWEEK4a-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RuXegh4sHA7HCXYdWEEK4a-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RuXegh4sHA7HCXYdWEEK4a-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I felt an obligation to be truthful and speak out&#8217; \u2013 Why Demi Vollering wants to keep periods and women&#8217;s health in the spotlight in cycling<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6KqJ39QfbRbnCTKbsGZzKY-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6KqJ39QfbRbnCTKbsGZzKY-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6KqJ39QfbRbnCTKbsGZzKY-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6KqJ39QfbRbnCTKbsGZzKY-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6KqJ39QfbRbnCTKbsGZzKY-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Ronde de Mouscron: Clara Copponi blasts away opposition to clinch powerful bunch sprint victory<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jcwvRUEuzovt7SHYCg2xNG-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jcwvRUEuzovt7SHYCg2xNG-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jcwvRUEuzovt7SHYCg2xNG-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jcwvRUEuzovt7SHYCg2xNG-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jcwvRUEuzovt7SHYCg2xNG-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Teams confirm Marlen Reusser and Kim Le Court-Pienaar both suffered fractures due to Tour of Flanders crash<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/f3zvCtE6GbvAo5UHRwbBsX-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/f3zvCtE6GbvAo5UHRwbBsX-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/f3zvCtE6GbvAo5UHRwbBsX-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/f3zvCtE6GbvAo5UHRwbBsX-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/f3zvCtE6GbvAo5UHRwbBsX-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;The win was not in our reach today&#8217; \u2013 Loss of Lorena Wiebes on Koppenberg costly for Lotte Kopecky in Tour of Flanders<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cr2RTiBiu8RcetVeVCih9X-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cr2RTiBiu8RcetVeVCih9X-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cr2RTiBiu8RcetVeVCih9X-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cr2RTiBiu8RcetVeVCih9X-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cr2RTiBiu8RcetVeVCih9X-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Cresting the Koppenberg with leaders &#8216;gave me a few goosebumps&#8217; \u2013 Zoe B\u00e4ckstedt impresses with fifth in Tour of Flanders<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nWjVwHL6JaxuctmPiujKvg-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nWjVwHL6JaxuctmPiujKvg-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nWjVwHL6JaxuctmPiujKvg-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nWjVwHL6JaxuctmPiujKvg-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nWjVwHL6JaxuctmPiujKvg-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s cycling (races)<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I was just not strong enough&#8217; \u2013 Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot bettered by Demi Vollering&#8217;s Kwaremont power to finish second in Tour of Flanders again<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yho3cizkbuCvXcv7DuFFGY-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yho3cizkbuCvXcv7DuFFGY-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yho3cizkbuCvXcv7DuFFGY-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yho3cizkbuCvXcv7DuFFGY-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yho3cizkbuCvXcv7DuFFGY-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tour of Flanders Women: Demi Vollering sails to victory after shedding rivals with a solo attack on Oude Kwaremont<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in News<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RrSTtZB8A7zGLPx4jcJ8n9-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RrSTtZB8A7zGLPx4jcJ8n9-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RrSTtZB8A7zGLPx4jcJ8n9-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RrSTtZB8A7zGLPx4jcJ8n9-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RrSTtZB8A7zGLPx4jcJ8n9-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I didn&#8217;t expect to win by such a margin&#8217; \u2013 A time trial triumph for Paul Seixas as he carves out first WorldTour stage victory and claims leader&#8217;s jersey at Itzulia Basque Country<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/B9bpUQRLuFY9kkbiqXRKEk-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/B9bpUQRLuFY9kkbiqXRKEk-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/B9bpUQRLuFY9kkbiqXRKEk-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/B9bpUQRLuFY9kkbiqXRKEk-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/B9bpUQRLuFY9kkbiqXRKEk-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Remco Evenepoel opts not to make debut at Paris-Roubaix, despite Tour of Flanders podium<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/isXfdqrBbNK6aQTNXVwnk5-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/isXfdqrBbNK6aQTNXVwnk5-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/isXfdqrBbNK6aQTNXVwnk5-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/isXfdqrBbNK6aQTNXVwnk5-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/isXfdqrBbNK6aQTNXVwnk5-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Top cobbled Classics support rider for Tadej Poga\u010dar reportedly extends contract for several seasons with UAE Team Emirates-XRG<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HWpAZBAgUw4PXXAigT3Rgk-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HWpAZBAgUw4PXXAigT3Rgk-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HWpAZBAgUw4PXXAigT3Rgk-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HWpAZBAgUw4PXXAigT3Rgk-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/HWpAZBAgUw4PXXAigT3Rgk-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Itzulia Basque Country 2026: stage 1 time trial start times<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jcwvRUEuzovt7SHYCg2xNG-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jcwvRUEuzovt7SHYCg2xNG-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jcwvRUEuzovt7SHYCg2xNG-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jcwvRUEuzovt7SHYCg2xNG-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/jcwvRUEuzovt7SHYCg2xNG-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Teams confirm Marlen Reusser and Kim Le Court-Pienaar both suffered fractures due to Tour of Flanders crash<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7sE99ZAQ2hoyR9PKgpYGTH-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7sE99ZAQ2hoyR9PKgpYGTH-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7sE99ZAQ2hoyR9PKgpYGTH-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7sE99ZAQ2hoyR9PKgpYGTH-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7sE99ZAQ2hoyR9PKgpYGTH-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;The pressure is low, like the tyres will be&#8217; \u2013 Liberated from Milan-San Remo and after latest Flanders exhibition, is the most ruthless Tadej Poga\u010dar yet heading for Paris-Roubaix?<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"widgetArea17\" class=\"widget-area md:basis-1\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-1-3 page-widget-area-17\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"dynamic\" id=\"popular-data\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-dynamic widget-popular-data widget-dynamic-popular-data widget-dynamic-fter-popular-box\">\n<div class=\"wdn-fte-pb pos-relative space-t20\n\"><\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-popularBox\" class=\"slice-container popular-box-slice popularBox slice-container-popularBox\">\n<section data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"popular-box\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label__tab popular-box__label__tab--active\" role=\"heading\">LATEST ARTICLES<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<ol class=\"popular-box__articles-list popular-box__articles-list--active\">\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__image-wrapper\">\n<div><source class=\"popular-box__article-list__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5b5JsNcrpyxRR7CHit7MLj-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5b5JsNcrpyxRR7CHit7MLj-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5b5JsNcrpyxRR7CHit7MLj-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5b5JsNcrpyxRR7CHit7MLj-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5b5JsNcrpyxRR7CHit7MLj.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5b5JsNcrpyxRR7CHit7MLj.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5b5JsNcrpyxRR7CHit7MLj.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">1<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">The next Australians on the path to the WorldTour? Taking a closer look at the riders who shot to the top at the 2026 ProVelo Super League<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">2<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;I didn&#8217;t expect to win by such a margin&#8217; \u2013 A time trial triumph for Paul Seixas as he carves out first WorldTour stage victory and claims leader&#8217;s jersey at Itzulia Basque Country<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">3<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Everything the Tour of Flanders can tell us about Paris-Roubaix \u2013 The Monument quintuple, no Remco Evenepoel, and Lotte Kopecky&#8217;s chances<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">4<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Remco Evenepoel opts not to make debut at Paris-Roubaix, despite Tour of Flanders podium<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">5<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Itzulia Basque Country: Paul Seixas pours on the power to win individual time trial opener and claim leader&#8217;s jersey<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nWomen&#8217;s Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTour of Flanders Women\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;Everybody knows somebody who is struggling&#8217; \u2013\u00a0Powered by meditation, tearful Demi Vollering embraces emotions of first Tour of Flanders triumph<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline\">\nNews<\/p>\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\"><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nJames Moultrie <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-04-06T07:19:27Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n6 April 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Dutch rider discusses importance of constantly training her mind and revisiting the issue of mental health<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"mx-auto mb-4 flex items-center justify-start mx-0 my-5 p-0\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-700 mb-2 text-[12px] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-gray-700 [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. 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Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"newsletter-modal-confirmation\" class=\"hidden\">\n<p class=\"sm:text-xl text-base font-bold text-black mb-3 p-0\">You are now subscribed<\/p>\n<p class=\"text-gray-600 mb-4 text-sm sm:text-base\">Your newsletter sign-up was successful<\/p>\n<div id=\"newsletter-modal-confirmation__userlogin\" class=\"hidden\">\n<hr class=\"my-5 h-px bg-gray-300 border-0\">\n<div class=\"items-start flex flex-col h-full justify-between\">\n<div class=\"flcw-text pb-5 pt-2 leading-[1.3]\"> An account already exists for this email address, please log in.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-96cfcbc4-6909-4f51-b986-457be9c3421c\">Demi Vollering has always worn her heart on her sleeve as a rider so it was no surprise to see the Dutch rider tear up while digesting her first Tour of Flanders win, emphasising that it was a success driven not just by the body but also the mind.<\/p>\n<p>Having been led out twice by FDJ United-SUEZ teammate Franzi Koch on the Kruisberg and Oude Kwaremont, Vollering scorched away with 18km remaining in a thrilling women&#8217;s race and rode solo to the line in Oudenaarde, bowing her head with her hands together in celebration.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-96cfcbc4-6909-4f51-b986-457be9c3421c-2\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Then came the roar of emotion, and she stopped to hold her bike above her head. It was, however, the first celebration which spoke to her constant advocacy for the importance of one&#8217;s mental health, an issue she has placed significant focus on amid her rise to the top.<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"article-continues-below block py-2 text-sm\">Article continues below <\/span><\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pb-0 pt-2 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[''] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[''] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 !text-base uppercase sm:text-sm font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wZwNcjWgNMZSmsDSgtmamP-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/wZwNcjWgNMZSmsDSgtmamP-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;It&#8217;s like our minds are all connected&#8217; &#8211; Unspoken understanding between teammates helps power Demi Vollering to first-ever victory in Omloop Het Nieuwsblad<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/22ubmyxijUjB7pcMDyNv7P-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/22ubmyxijUjB7pcMDyNv7P-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;Tour de France will always be my biggest goal&#8217; &#8211; Demi Vollering confirms 2026 racing calendar with 11 major targets, but no Paris-Roubaix<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nWjVwHL6JaxuctmPiujKvg-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nWjVwHL6JaxuctmPiujKvg-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;I was just not strong enough&#8217; \u2013 Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot bettered by Demi Vollering&#8217;s Kwaremont power to finish second in Tour of Flanders again<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;I did, Namaste, since today was International Calm Day. I wanted to do something with this because I really enjoy doing meditation myself. I really feel like this is something that helps me in the race,&#8221; said Vollering in her winner&#8217;s press conference.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;I mean, we train our bodies so hard, but often we forget that in the end, it all happens here,&#8221; she said, pointing to her head as she&#8217;s done several times while winning big races. &#8220;Really, to make an effort to be calm in these kinds of races, it&#8217;s something that you need to train as well.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;I&#8217;ve been doing it, actually, since the beginning of this year, more and more. I picked it up again, because I did it in 2023 and then after it disappeared a bit, because I was like, &#8216;Well, I understand it now, and I think I have everything under control&#8217;, but in the end, I figured out that this is something that you need to keep training and you need to keep giving attention, because it&#8217;s the same with training your body.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Vollering revealed that she never skips more than one day from her meditation, and it was when she was asked whether mental health awareness was a common topic of discussion among the peloton that she began to choke up again.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-JgJ5SKmKiZYRVvoBSpzWeQ\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-JgJ5SKmKiZYRVvoBSpzWeQ slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Through the tears, she referenced her emotional win on stage 5 of last year&#8217;s Vuelta Femenina, which she described on the day as &#8220;a sacrifice for all the people who have a really hard time mentally,&#8221; and it again provoked strong emotion for her on Sunday evening.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;When I spoke out last year after La Vuelta, when I did that celebration and I talked about it in the interview, I got quite some girls who came to me and thanked me for speaking out about that,&#8221; she said. &#8220;Because I think in the end, everybody knows somebody who is struggling sometimes. It&#8217;s good to keep the conversation going.&#8221;<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"bringing-a-winning-culture-to-fdj-united-suez-3\">Bringing a winning culture to FDJ United-Suez<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-008a4aee-18cc-44b1-9429-73157c0b21cc\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9yfQ9LsrUASDQkVuHxvzA5-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9yfQ9LsrUASDQkVuHxvzA5-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9yfQ9LsrUASDQkVuHxvzA5-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9yfQ9LsrUASDQkVuHxvzA5-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9yfQ9LsrUASDQkVuHxvzA5-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9yfQ9LsrUASDQkVuHxvzA5-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">2026 Tour of Flanders winners Demi Vollering and Tadej Poga\u010dar <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-adaffe6f-9a1a-4339-a683-3a6dd51e1ca7\">Heading into the 2024 Tour of Flanders two seasons ago was when the external noise surrounding Vollering leaving SD Worx began to surface but she&#8217;s reaching new heights once again with her newfound clarity in 2026, and after a full season as FDJ United-Suez&#8217;s main leader.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pb-0 pt-2 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[''] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[''] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 !text-base uppercase sm:text-sm font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kkBVa5xY7v7FGodaUXSuoc-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kkBVa5xY7v7FGodaUXSuoc-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;I have mixed feelings&#8217; &#8211; Late-race gamble falls short for Demi Vollering at Dwars door Vlaanderen<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yho3cizkbuCvXcv7DuFFGY-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yho3cizkbuCvXcv7DuFFGY-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Tour of Flanders Women: Demi Vollering sails to victory after shedding rivals with a solo attack on Oude Kwaremont<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RuXegh4sHA7HCXYdWEEK4a-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RuXegh4sHA7HCXYdWEEK4a-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;I felt an obligation to be truthful and speak out&#8217; \u2013 Why Demi Vollering wants to keep periods and women&#8217;s health in the spotlight in cycling<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Despite enjoying several years of success working alongside the likes of Lotte Kopecky and Marlen Reusser on her former team, Vollering did admit that full focus on her from a dedicated squad does appear to bring the very best out of her.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;It&#8217;s 100% going for me, and we really make the plan for me. That&#8217;s different, of course, from having shared leadership, and in the past, I&#8217;ve enjoyed this as well,&#8221; she said.<\/p>\n<p>Vollering pointed out that sometimes it is easier to sacrifice yourself for teammates because then you don&#8217;t feel the pressure.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;So this is the hardest way to really feel all the pressure and everything 100% on your shoulders. But also, I know that I can do really well with this, and I need it,&#8221; Vollering said. &#8220;I need a whole team behind me and to believe all in me, because that only makes me even hungrier to really finish it off for the girls as well. I know that I am the best rider if I have a 100% committed team behind me.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Vollering&#8217;s excellence does seem to have raised everyone&#8217;s level at the French squad, perhaps shown best by Koch, who has been one of the signings of the season. It could also be seen in how the German champion and Elise Chabbey combined to win Strade Bianche when their leader was in the group that went the wrong way.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;As a person, I really like to share memories and emotions with the girls around me, and I really want to have a good connection with every rider; they really feel that. But also, of course, in the end, it&#8217;s easy for the girls, because they see that if they give this effort in a race, it pays off,&#8221; said Vollering.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;So for them, it&#8217;s so satisfying to do their job and to work as hard as possible for me, because they know that it&#8217;s needed \u2013 I need them to win races. There are days I really see that they get super excited, and also a bit nervous, like they were never in that position before in this race.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;It&#8217;s also something you can see makes them better, like Elise [Chabbey] also said to me after Strade, &#8216;Before, I would have been satisfied with second or third, but now, since you were in the team, I know only the win,&#8217; so then she pushed herself, really, for that win. I think it&#8217;s something that comes also by just winning races, that special feeling that everybody&#8217;s doing it for.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Vollering said a change of schedule to include Paris-Roubaix was unlikely, but she will take this great success from Flanders into her next races during the Ardennes, where her legs and her mind will once again make a formidable combination. The Tour of Flanders victory has made it clear that the best version of the former Tour de France Femmes winner is back in full force.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-3823edd0-2fe9-460a-b596-7d64876205ae\"><em><strong>Get unlimited access to our unrivalled 2026 Spring Classics coverage with a Cyclingnews subscription. We&#8217;ll bring you breaking news, reports, and analysis from some of the biggest races on the calendar, including Milan-San Remo, Paris-Roubaix and the Tour of Flanders. <\/strong><\/em><u><em><strong>Find out more.<\/strong><\/em><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/womens-cycling\/everybody-knows-somebody-who-is-struggling-powered-by-meditation-tearful-demi-vollering-embraces-emotions-of-first-tour-of-flanders-triumph\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/dNXJHS5WBEQ92bf9uQVsfZ-2560-80.jpg&#8221;] Pro Cycling Racing Women&#8217;s Cycling Road Tour of Flanders Women &#8216;Everybody knows somebody who is struggling&#8217; \u2013\u00a0Powered by meditation, tearful Demi Vollering embraces emotions of first Tour of Flanders triumph News By James Moultrie published 6 April 2026 Dutch rider discusses importance of constantly training her mind and revisiting the issue of [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[226,68],"class_list":["post-1869186","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-politics","tag-crawlmanager","tag-cyclingnews-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1869186","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1869186"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1869186\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1869186"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1869186"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1869186"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}