"Proud that we gave everything for our leaders" - Barbara Guarischi hits back at criticism of SD Worx after Demi Vollering's narrow Tour de France Femmes defeat

The 2024 Tour de France Femmes came to a thrilling conclusion on Sunday. Despite Demi Vollering's best efforts however, she couldn't quite win the Maillot Jaune for the second straight year. With just 4 seconds all that separated Vollering and the win though, many have levelled criticism at the rest of Team SD Worx - Protime.

Notably, when Vollering, whilst wearing the Maillot Jaune no less, crashed in the finale of stage 5, there was very little impetus within the rest of the team to assist their leader. Post-stage, Lorena Wiebes made the now viral comment that she "saw something yellow on the ground," but just kept on riding. Had more support been given to Vollering on that occasion, could the 4 second gap to Katarzyna Niewiadoma at the line have been closed?

Well, speaking out on her official Instagram account, Vollering's Team SD Worx - Protime teammate, Barbara Guarischi has hit back at the criticism of her and her teammates. “I feel like saying a few words at the end of these seven intense days, in which we have all worked, laughed and cried together,” Guarischi opens. “I have read a lot of bad things these days on social media, in newspapers, etc. I am someone who usually does not consider these kinds of things important, because I share the idea that everyone can do and say what they want in life, always with respect for others.”

“I felt addressed when it was said that our team did not work together, did not sacrifice for each other, the team tactics were not good, etc," she continues, denying such rumours of disharmony within the team. “There are days when everything goes well and you win (and everyone is a friend) the media/people are excited and you are a hero. There are also days when everything goes wrong and you lose (and there are real friends) and the media/people are all against you because you are a loser.”

“Until the last day of my career, I will give my heart for my teammates, because I know that they will give their hearts for the team. Always and in any case, even more so when we come home empty-handed, but with our heads held high, proud that we gave everything for our leaders,” she continues. “I am proud of you Lorena. It is a pleasure to share moments of my career and life with you, you are a leader with a big heart, who never changes, not even in the face of the worst criticism. I am proud of you Demi, that from the first day I met you you have been a great person on and off the bike, your professionalism is immense and your sensitivity unique.”