"I knew I could gamble" - Risk pays off for Demi Vollering who conquers Ardennes week

Demi Vollering has won Amstel Gold Race and Flèche Wallone, and today she sealed an historic achievement. By winning Liège-Bastogne-Liège Femmes she became the second woman to conquer the Ardennes triptych, following the steps of her mentor Anna van der Breggen.

“This is really amazing, I still can't believe it. I really have to thank the team, I am so proud. I was happy that Elisa wanted to collaborate in the final. In the last kilometer we had to play poker. I knew I could gamble, with Marlen [Reusser] in the chasing group. That made it a bit easier," Vollering shared in a post-race interview. SD Worx were constantly ahead of the competition today in the Belgian race, as Reusser took part in an early attack with other favourites and then moved out in front solo.

For some time it seemed as if the Swiss rider could be on the verge of winning herself, but the chase that had to be put on by rival teams allowed Demi Vollering to save valuable energy, which she then used in the final climb of the day. She had company however in Elisa Longo Borghini, but despite the Italian's bluff in the final sprint, Vollering was the fastest and took another convincing triumph - the fifth of her season.

“I am very happy with this victory. I really wanted to win today, since I could score a hat-trick. You don't get the chance to do that every year. Unfortunately Anna was not there today, but I'm sure she was jumping in front of the television at home," she concluded.