'I came here for stage wins and the yellow jersey but didn't get either' - Vollering reflects on the Tour
Demi Vollering (FDJ - Suez) finished second overall in the 2025 Tour de France Femmes despite attacking multiple times during the final mountain stage in an attempt to claim a stage victory at the last opportunity.
"I came here for stage wins and the yellow jersey but didn't get either," said Vollering to reporters after crossing the finish line. "It's a pity, but after stage three we weren't sure if I could continue."
The Dutch rider revealed she almost abandoned the race after stage three but managed to recover enough to secure multiple podium spots throughout the tour. Her second place in the general classification represented the best possible outcome considering her earlier struggles.
Vollering's aggressive riding style was on display during the final stage as she launched attacks on the Joux Plane climb and again in the finale. Her efforts proved unsuccessful against an in-form Pauline Ferrand-Prévot.
"I needed to try," Vollering explained. "In hindsight, maybe I should have stayed with Pauline on the last climb. My attack created the perfect moment for her to counter."
The 2023 Tour champion reflected on her tactics with characteristic honesty. "Today I wanted to try everything I could. That's cycling – you only know afterward if it was the right decision."
When asked about her status as one of cycling's biggest stars, Vollering highlighted the sport's positive trajectory. "Cycling is in a great place now. You see how many good riders we have with new talent still emerging."
She praised Ferrand-Prévot's dominant performance in the final stages. "Pauline was flying yesterday and made the difference again today. She had the advantage of not having to work while we were all riding, but she was incredibly strong."
Despite missing out on her primary objectives, Vollering's resilience after early setbacks demonstrated why she remains one of the most respected riders in the women's peloton.
