"We write history three times" - Demi Vollering lays down stamp of authority at Itzulia Women

At Itzulia Women Demi Vollering won the final stage and the overall classification; with Team SD Worx - ProTime winning all three stages. It is the third year in a row that the Dutch team wipes out all the victories in the Basque race.

“I am very happy with this victory. It was a tough day, because I had some stomach problems today. But we had a plan to attack on the last climb and then keep moving forward," Vollering said in a post-race interview. "If that didn't work, I had other teammates – such as Marlen Reusser – in the group behind me. Then we could play it tactically, but fortunately I was able to stay ahead. I am very happy, because it feels good to ride such a long solo.”

However it was a simple formula. Vollering, the strongest climber, attacked on the final and toughest ascent of the race and got a large gap over the closest chasers. She then sealed the triumph with a magnificent solo time-trial throughout the last 30 kilometers. “I think this is a really fun competition and I always perform well here. I am happy to win another stage here and also the classification.” This followed the double triumph of Mischa Bredewold, who also finished second in the overall classification.

“We have now won every stage in this race for three years in a row. That's incredible. We write history three times. We can be very proud of that. You don't think it's possible, but the fact that we're doing it again is incredible. It says that we are a strong team and that we like these types of competitions, in which we can actively race."

Vollering continues a successful sprint which she turned around recently at La Vuelta Femenina; which she also dominated and won the overall classification in. “I recovered very quickly from the Vuelta, but in the last few days I had some stomach problems," she admits however.

"I couldn't eat very well, it was also difficult during the race today. It was also very warm the past few days and suddenly cold today. That is also difficult for the body. But the legs were good and I'm happy with that.”