"When Annemiek wanted to get over me, I knew I had to give it my all" - Demi Vollering details tactics into win at Vuelta Femenina

Today's stage of the Vuelta Femenina was the sixth victory of Demi Vollering this season, as she continues drawing a path of success everywhere she goes. Now in the lead of the race, the Dutchwoman describes the day that has seen win for the first time in a stage-race this year.

“Initially it looked good, because we were with three riders at the front," Vollering said in a post-race interview, having made the front split when the race broke apart early on. "Unfortunately Niamh [Fisher-Black] fell, while she was very strong. That was not good for us and we hoped she could still come back, but yes… I was therefore determined to win this really tough stage.”

In the final ascent Trek - Segafredo took charge in the first half, and without requesting help from anyone Vollering rode to the front. The final two kilometers were a slow grind as the Team SD Worx rider hit the front and quickly most of the group had to let go the wheel with her seated acceleration. Vollering was clearly on a great day, sustaining the move of Annemiek van Vleuten in the final 500 meters, and powering away afterwards into a strong stage victory.

“I wanted to ride my own pace, because I knew I could keep it up for a long time. I wanted to drop as many riders as possible there. In the end we were three left. When Annemiek wanted to get over me, I knew I had to give it my all," she added. "I thought I started my sprint too early, but was lucky enough to win.” She now leads the veteran by five seconds in the GC heading into stage 6.