"It makes me realise how much I have grown" - Demi Vollering continues to stick it to former team with Strade Bianche Donne 2025 win

Demi Vollering has stormed to a stunning Strade Bianche Donne 2025 victory this Saturday afternoon in Tuscany. In a thrilling finale, the FDJ - Suez leader outpowered former teammate Anna van der Breggen in the finale to emerge victorious.

"I'm super happy. I knew I was good and everyone expected me to do this, but it's another thing to actually do it," reflected a beaming Vollering in her post-race interview afterwards, clearly and understandably bursting with pride at her achievements on the iconic Tuscan gravel. "There is so much pressure and you want to finish it. For myself, but also for the team and for everyone who supports me, my family and friends. I have to thank my teammates. I'm proud."

With a strong breakaway holding an advantage heading into the last 20/30km, the victory for the pre-race favourites didn't always look guaranteed. It seems though, the peloton has learnt their lessons from past mistakes. "That gap was quite big, yes. I thought for a moment: 'It can't be the same as in the Omloop, can it?'" Vollering recalls with a laugh. "Juliette Labous did a great job, but when I wanted to attack, my chain got stuck. That plan caused a cross, but I stayed calm and then I was able to attack Le Tolfe."

And in the end, Vollering proved strongest, once again getting the better of her former team, Team SD Worx - Protime. "She (Van der Breggen ed.) was smart about it by taking some distance in the descending section. But we rode away together and luckily she cooperated. This was also an opportunity for her," concludes the FDJ - Suez leader. "It's fun to race against Anna again. It reminds me of the old days, of the period when I started racing. It makes me realise how much I have grown in recent years."