'I knew I did it right' – Vollering boosts Tour Femmes chances in Dijon time trial

Demi Vollering completed the 21km individual time trial from Gevrey-Chambertin to Dijon just 18 seconds behind stage winner Marlen Reusser, leaving herself 14 seconds off the yellow jersey.

Speaking to broadcaster NOS at the finish, Vollering explained that her tactics relied on a high-tempo at the start by recovery over the top of the climb to Corcelles-les-Monts.

"Full from the beginning and then my finish was actually at the top," Vollering said. "I know I can recover quickly, and then it was just about getting down and to the finish as quickly as possible."

Vollering entered the stage anticipating losses against dedicated time trial specialists such as Reusser. Instead, she restricted the deficit while several general classification rivals conceded significant time.

"I had prepared myself mentally that I was going to lose some time here," Vollering said. "Maybe on Marlen, or that kind of rider. I'm really happy that I finished like that."

Crossing the line third behind Reusser and Lieke Nooijen, Vollering celebrated the effort before knowing the final standings.

"I can be proud," she said. "I feel pride, happiness, maybe also relief, because a time trial like that is hard. Actually, a time trial is something you do against yourself. When I came over the finish line, I knew I did it right. I did it the way I wanted, so that's it."

Sports director Lars Boom shared the assessment when he spoke to NOS, contrasting the team's current standing with their approach earlier in the season at the Giro.

"We also rode a good time trial in the Giro, but back then we were in a completely different situation," Boom said. "Now we are in a different position. I am enormously proud of how Demi rode: fierce from the start, a steady pace, and she listened well. That is very nice."