"It's important to have someone to talk to" - Demi Vollering feels for Marlen Reusser after teammate's recent struggles

Although she was unable to take the Rainbow Jersey, being denied by her Team SD Worx teammate Lotte Kopecky, Demi Vollering had some kind and thoughtful words for another of her teammates, Marlen Reusser post-World Championships road race.

Reusser, who finished in 4th on the day, had previously been the pre-race favourite for the individual time-trial before abandoning in tears part way through citing a mental and physical burnout. "Ultimately, it's about finding a good balance," Vollering advises in conversation with In de Leiderstrui. "You have to sense when enough is enough. For myself, it was also difficult this past week, but I kind of rescued myself by going on a short vacation trip with my family after the Tour. Otherwise, I might have felt the same way as Marlen."

Vollering herself admits that despite the immense success she has achieved throughout 2023, there has been moments where she has questioned whether it's all worth it. "Even this past week, I also had doubts. I spoke to my mental coach; it's important to have someone to talk to who's not too close to you," said the Dutchwoman. "That way, you can switch gears and find motivation again. After the Tour, something fell off my shoulders, so sometimes it's difficult to find the focus again. It worked this time, but it's not always like that."

As such, Vollering is allowing herself a little break following the World Championships to rest and recuperate. "And I really need it," she explains. "I'm going back to the Netherlands now, and I will stay off the bike for a couple of days. I have some fun things planned, like going to a children's cycling race in my hometown. I'm really looking forward to that as well."