You’ll find Demi Vollering’s path to cycling stardom breaks all conventional rules. Unlike many elite athletes who start training in childhood, she didn’t discover her cycling talent until age 19. Yet within just a few years, she transformed from a complete novice to one of the sport’s most formidable competitors. Her remarkable journey from late bloomer to Tour de France Femmes champion reveals an untold story of determination that defies traditional athletic narratives.
Demi Vollering’s New Team in 2025: FD Suez
In October 2024, Dutch rider Demi Vollering announced that she would be joining the FD Suez team in 2025.
Joining the FD Suez team has marked an exciting new chapter in Demi Vollering’s career. Backed by a squad that shares her ambition and drive, Demi has found the perfect environment to hone her skills and push her limits even further.
FD Suez’s supportive atmosphere and cutting-edge approach to training have helped her elevate her performance, building on her already impressive successes. With a team that values strategy, teamwork, and innovation, Demi is not just competing—she’s thriving. This partnership seems destined to achieve great things, and fans are eager to see how far Demi can go with FD Suez by her side.
Early Life and Path to Professional Cycling
Born in 1996 in Pijnacker, Netherlands, Demi Vollering discovered her passion for cycling relatively late compared to many professional riders.
You’ll find it surprising that she didn’t start racing until age 19, as she initially worked at a daycare center while pursuing horseback riding. Her path changed when she borrowed her father’s bike and joined a local cycling club, quickly showing natural talent.
Within just two years, she’d progressed from amateur races to earning spots in development teams.
By 2019, you could spot her competing for Parkhotel Valkenburg, where she caught the attention of major teams with impressive results in the Ardennes classics.
Her rapid rise through the ranks proved that starting late doesn’t mean you can’t reach cycling’s elite level.
Breakthrough Performances and Major Victories
Demi Vollering has quickly made a name for herself as one of the most versatile and determined riders in professional cycling. Her achievements showcase her ability to excel in diverse races, from grueling mountain stages to punchy one-day classics.
With an impressive mix of grit, strategic racing, and undeniable talent, Demi has stacked up results that highlight her as a true standout in the sport. Let’s take a closer look at some of her remarkable accomplishments.
- Overall winner of the Tour of the Basque Country (2023)
- Winner of La Vuelta Femenina 2024
- Tour de Suisse Women 2024
- Winner of Liège-Bastogne-Liège (2021)
- Champion of La Course by Le Tour de France (2021)
- Overall winner of the Women’s Tour (2021, 2023)
- Winner of the Tour de France Femmes (2023)
- Champion of the Amstel Gold Race (2023)
- Winner of Flèche Wallonne (2023)
Her remarkable consistency and tactical prowess have made her a dominant force in both one-day races and stage races, earning her the number one world ranking in women’s professional cycling.
Racing Style and Technical Strengths
These impressive victories stem from Vollering’s distinctive racing style.
You’ll notice her exceptional climbing abilities and explosive accelerations on steep gradients, which make her a formidable competitor in hilly classics and mountainous stage races.
She’s also developed a keen tactical awareness that allows her to read races effectively and position herself perfectly for crucial moments.
When you watch Vollering race, you’ll see her technical prowess on descents and her ability to maintain high power output over extended periods.
She’s particularly strong in reduced bunch sprints, where she can outpower her rivals after challenging climbs.
Her smooth pedaling technique and aerodynamic position help her conserve energy during long races, while her quick reactions and bike handling skills give her an edge in technical finishes.
Impact on Women’s Professional Cycling
As Vollering’s star continues to rise, she’s become a powerful role model for aspiring female cyclists worldwide.
You’ll notice her influence extends beyond race victories, as she actively advocates for equal prize money and media coverage in women’s cycling. Through her success at prestigious races like La Course and Liège-Bastogne-Liège, she’s helped elevate the profile of women’s professional cycling.
You can see Vollering’s impact in how she’s inspired a new generation of Dutch cyclists while breaking away from the traditional mold of women’s racing.
She’s pushed for more challenging race routes and longer stage races, demonstrating that women cyclists can handle the same demanding courses as their male counterparts. Her outspoken support for developing women’s cycling has made her an influential voice in the sport’s evolution.
Team SD Worx Partnership
Since joining Team SD Worx in 2021, Vollering has established herself as one of the squad’s key leaders. Her partnership with the team has proven mutually beneficial, as she’s secured victories in prestigious races like La Course and Liège-Bastogne-Liège while elevating the team’s profile in the Women’s WorldTour.
The Dutch rider’s also focused on developing her time trial abilities to become a more complete cyclist. With SD Worx’s support and resources, she’s positioned to achieve these objectives while mentoring younger teammates and contributing to the team’s collective success in the coming seasons.
Conclusion
As you watch Demi Vollering’s career unfold, you’ll see she’s rewriting the rules of women’s cycling. Her journey from a late starter to a Tour de France Femmes champion shows what’s possible with determination and raw talent. Through her partnership with Team SD Worx and advocacy for equality, she’s not just winning races – she’s paving the way for future generations of female cyclists to reach even greater heights.
