"Now I dare to lose in order to win" - Demi Vollering reflects on becoming incredibly successful season

In 2023, Demi Vollering really stepped up a level and took her place as the new, outright leader of the women's World Tour. Speaking to Team NL, she has reflected on what precipitated her season of success.

"I do notice that the body now needs more time to recover at the end of the year. It was a tough and intense season, but it was beautiful," says the Team SD Worx rider after adding such victories as the Tour de France Femmes, the Amstel Gold Race, Tour de Romandie, Fleche Wallone, Strade Bianche and a second Liege-Bastogne-Liege to her palmares during the season.

The peak of her season was the Tour de France Femmes, although her perhaps wasn't her most special. "I actually forget that I also became Dutch champion," she says, laughing. "I am not allowed to race in red, white and blue because I am wearing the points jersey. Fortunately, I can wear the Dutch championship jersey during training."

"I used to want to win so badly that I started riding completely differently in the race. I was only concerned with having to do things, while you actually have to get a feel for the course," she continues, explaining the difference in her level this year. "I just didn't dare to lose, but in cycling you obviously lose more than you win. Now I dare to lose in order to win. I dare to take the risk now, despite the fact that I might fail completely. That has now ensured that I was able to win."