"It might be my best time trial ever" - Demi Vollering's road race hopes boosted despite missing out on medals in Olympic ITT

Although the women's individual time-trial at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games were particularly effected by the wet and slippery weather conditions with a number of riders crashing on the course, Demi Vollering managed to navigate the tricky conditions well, eventually finishing 5th.

"I rode with my heart. I gave it everything and I am actually very satisfied with my performance, because I rode really good wattages," the 27-year-old Dutchwoman reflected afterwards to NOS, upbeat about her performance despite missing out on the podium and the medals as Grace Brown, Anna Henderson and Chloe Dygert took gold, silver and bronze respectively in Paris.

"It might be my best time trial ever, because it's also flat. It's a power course, but the corners were also very slippery," continues the Team SD Worx - Protime superstar. "I rode some corners really square. It was in my head, because I made a few slips with my rear wheel. Maybe I was a bit too cautious and hesitated too much. But I rode to my ability."

Eventually finishing 1:51 down on the very impressive Australian Grace Brown, Vollering is growing in confidence ahead of women's road race on the 4th of August and hopeful that she can claim that Olympic medal that proved elusive in the race against the clock on Saturday afternoon.

"I am not far behind and then this is a bummer. That might hurt more later," reflected Vollering who was visibly emotional after the conclusion of her time-trial efforts. "It was very special to ride here. I notice that I am emotional about it. Maybe I started dreaming of a podium place. It is a shame, but all in all I am proud."

In the women's road race, Vollering will be riding alongside a very, very strong Dutch team that also includes Team SD Worx - Protime teammate Lorena Wiebes, the legendary Marianne Vos and Ellen van Dijk.