Demi Vollering under fire! Former Tour de France Femmes winner faces scrutiny ahead of important 2025: “Vollering is a typical hard rider, but not a cyclist”

Demi Vollering, one of the most successful female cyclists of recent years, continues to make headlines both on and off the bike. The 28-year-old Dutch star, who won the Tour de France Femmes in 2023 and followed it up with a Vuelta victory in 2024, has recently come under scrutiny from prominent cycling commentators on Eurosport's Kop over Kop.

Bobbie Traksel, a regular voice on the show, offered a critical take on Vollering’s tactical IQ, "Vollering is a typical hard rider, but not a cyclist. That may sound strange, because in my opinion she is the best cyclist in the world. But when it comes to the tactical part, the real cycling starts. It is not just riding very fast. She really has problems with the game. Especially if it is not guided by earphones, then it is simply over," said Traksel.

This perspective was echoed by fellow commentator Jan Hermsen, who questioned Vollering’s team dynamic and interpersonal skills.

"She wouldn't be my favourite teammate. When I sometimes see interviews of her. Athletes are assholes, but cycling has increasingly become a team sport. Then you also have to be able to function in a team," Hermsen stated.

Traksel also pointed out how Vollering's dominance can sometimes work against her in the peloton, "Because she is the best, nobody wants to continue cycling with her. Normally she can then ride away herself, but the level of competition has become higher. As a result, she will miss out on a lot this season," he explained.

In 2025, Vollering will begin a new chapter in her career as she joins FDJ-Suez after parting ways with Team SD Worx - Protime, a move that has raised eyebrows in the cycling community. Reflecting on her time at SD Worx, Hermsen added, "She has had a lot of run-ins at SD Worx. I don't know how well that is managed at FDJ."