Demi Vollering "extremely determined to do the double" and retain Maillot Jaune at Tour de France Femmes

Demi Vollering secured a sensational victory at the 2023 Tour de France Femmes, taking the Maillot Jaune by a dominant margin of over three minutes from her own teammate, Lotte Kopecky. This Monday, the 2024 edition will start and Vollering will attempt to go again.

"There’s no doubt that more people know my name now, that people know what I’ve achieved, but I don’t feel that my daily life has been turned upside down by this success, and that’s fine. What I really appreciate is that that performance has the power to inspire," Vollering reflects of her Tour triumph last year, in conversation with Velo. "Just a few days ago, a young girl asked me if she could take a selfie with me, then thanked me for the way that I’d raced at the Tour. She liked the way I went on the offensive and that’s obviously extremely gratifying."

Having come a close second to the great Annemiek van Vleuten the year prior, finally winning the Maillot Jaune tastes even sweeter to Vollering. "I immediately fell under the spell of the Tour de France, as much for the quality of its organization as for what it immediately represented for women’s cycling. Because the very nature of this stage race suits me, I very quickly made it a clear career objective," she explains. "And just because I was lucky enough to win the last edition doesn’t mean I’ve had my fill, believe me!"

As an added source of incentive this time around, the Tour gets underway in Vollering's home nation of the Netherlands. "Yes, it’s going to be exceptional! I was born in Zoetermeer, between Rotterdam and The Hague. On the first stage, which will link these two cities, I’ll really be very much riding at home. A lot of my friends and family will be able to see me race by from the corner of their streets…or almost. Racing isn’t always easy, but I’m really going to try to make the most of these first three stages in my home country," she previews. "I know the region’s roads like the back of my hand, and I know that it’s going to be demanding, even though there’s not much climbing, and nervous too because of all of the bends and subsequent accelerations. Women’s cycling is extremely popular in The Netherlands, and I think we can be proud of the fact that we’re hosting the start of the world’s greatest race!"

This year, the riders also have to face the unenviable task of the mythical Alpe d'Huez. As the premier climber in the women's World Tour however, Vollering doesn't face the challenge afraid. "It really is a myth!" Vollering says. "After riding up Mont Ventoux, I’ve always said to myself that one day I’d tackle this iconic climb, and now the Tour de France is offering me the opportunity! On the men’s Tour de France, the Dutch supporters create a great atmosphere on one of the bends, which has been nicknamed Dutch corner. I hope we’ll see the same fervour when we head up there on 18 August!"

As defending champion though, Vollering this time comes with a target on her back. "I can’t deny that it raises expectations in the sense that a lot of people think it’s logical for you to repeat the same performance. And we all know that things aren’t that simple in sport," she concludes. "But as I’m also extremely determined to do the double, it doesn’t really bother me. I also know that I generally perform well in these situations. Having a clear and confirmed goal that you fight for every day helps you once you’re racing."