Demi Vollering enjoying off season following transfer to FDJ-Suez: “It is so important to switch off”

As Demi Vollering transitions to her new team, FDJ-Suez, she is making the most of the off-season to recharge both mentally and physically. Sharing insights on Instagram, Vollering highlighted the significance of switching off from the rigours of professional cycling. "It is so important to switch off, look at the photo," she shared, displaying a screenshot of her Heart Rate Variability (HRV) status from October 6 to November 2. The image revealed a consistently 'low' HRV in the early weeks, but after a holiday, it rose to 'balanced' via a brief period of being 'unbalanced'.

Heart Rate Variability, or HRV, is a key indicator of recovery and stress levels, often becoming imbalanced after an intense season. Vollering’s HRV status reflects the toll the season took on her body and underscores the importance of rest.

Vollering described her initial days off, noting the challenge of truly disconnecting. “The first few days there I did nothing, even though I sometimes wanted to go out. Jan stopped me,” she wrote, appreciating the influence of her partner. She added that being in a warm, relaxing environment made it easier to stay still. “For me it helped that we were in a warm place, where you could lie on the beach all day without feeling like you had to go out and explore everything. My HRV had been low for a long time and it only started to increase after I had done nothing for a while.”

Reflecting on the experience, Vollering shared some advice for her followers: “So pay attention, rest is a big part of getting better. You just have to dare to listen to yourself.”

As Vollering readies herself for the 2025 season with FDJ-Suez, her commitment to proper recovery serves as a reminder that even elite athletes must allow time for rest and balance after a demanding year.