“We have a very strong team" - Demi Vollering admits Dutch team enters European Championships road race as favourites

After an incredibly successful year, Demi Vollering hopes to round off her 2023 campaign in style on Saturday when she takes part in the European Championships women's elite road race.

“This race will certainly not break my season. Unless I seriously break something, that would be a shame,” laughed the Tour de France Femmes winner in a pre-race interview with Wielerflits. “No, I have had a very nice season. It was more than successful. Whether I have a good race tomorrow or not, I won't look at it afterwards as a missed opportunity. But of course, it would be fantastic to win.”

As many have stated previously, the Dutch team is arguably the strongest at the race. Although Vollering isn't keen on adding extra pressure, she does admit their strength. “We have a very strong team, especially across the board. Lorena Wiebes is also there as reigning champion. She is always good here," assesses Vollering.

"However, there are many riders who have to be able to tackle the VAM mountain," the Dutchwoman concludes, before naming just who she feels could be the biggest challenge to a Dutch victory. "Just think of Katarzyna Niewiadoma, who was good in Romandie, Lotte Kopecky and Cecilie Uttrup Ludwig.”