Demi Vollering proves she truly deserves the Tour victory, despite a tactical miss and a controversial trick

Demi Vollering demonstrated her strength by winning the Tour de France Femmes stage atop Mont Ventoux, yet the victory was tinged with regret over tactical missteps. After crossing the finish line, Vollering learned she had lost time in the general classification to Kasia Niewiadoma, who had launched a decisive attack.

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I want to lie down, let me lie down!

"I want to lie down, let me lie down!" exclaimed Niewiadoma's soigneur as the Polish rider collapsed behind the finish line, overcome by her effort. Niewiadoma's solo breakaway saw her not only win the stage but also seize the yellow leader's jersey. Meanwhile, a visibly exhausted Vollering, upon learning she needed to make up fifteen seconds, expressed disappointment. She felt she should have responded immediately to Niewiadoma's attack, a moment of hesitation alongside race leader Marlen Reusser that she feared could cost her the Tour victory.

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Fifteen seconds I have to make up in the standings, she is told. Disappointed, Vollering heads to the FDJ United-Suez team bus, six kilometers below the summit. She should have reacted immediately to Niewiadoma's attack, it shoots through her head. But instead, she and Reusser looked at each other the whole time. This could cost Vollering the Tour victory.

Earlier in Lausanne, before the race's grand départ, Vollering had been presented as the clear favorite. Her successful season, including wins at the Tour of Flanders, Liège–Bastogne–Liège, and the Giro d'Italia, had contributed to a more relaxed demeanor compared to the previous year. She had focused on rest and physical and mental preparation, with her team, FDJ-SUEZ, dedicating their efforts to supporting her bid for the overall win.

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Help, it's coming too fast.

However, the dynamics on Mont Ventoux revealed the intense pressure and strategic complexities of the race. While Vollering's individual strength is undeniable, the missed opportunity to capitalize on Niewiadoma's attack highlighted the fine margins in professional cycling. The race continues with Niewiadoma in yellow, setting the stage for a compelling battle in the remaining stages.

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