Just hours after Tadej Pogacar triumphed in the men’s Tour of Flanders on the iconic cobblestone climb of Oude Kwaremont, Dutch cyclist Demi Vollering mirrored his success in the women’s race.
Covering a distance of 164 kilometers—just over 100 kilometers shorter than the men’s course—the women’s event made its way over the same famed hills, culminating in a thrilling showdown. Vollering, a pre-race favorite, showcased her dominance as she left her closest competitors, compatriot Puck Pieterse and French star Pauline Ferrand-Prévot, struggling to keep pace.
As she ascended the challenging 2.2-kilometer climb, Vollering pulled ahead, finishing nearly 20 seconds clear of her rivals. Remarkably, her time on this ascent was only about 30 seconds slower than Pogacar’s effort earlier in the day, when he had similarly put Mathieu van der Poel under serious pressure.
Later, as the race continued to the shorter Paterberg climb, Vollering extended her lead even further. Despite the efforts of Pieterse and Ferrand-Prévot as well as a larger group of favorites that attempted to close the gap, Vollering continued to demonstrate her exceptional form.
As she approached the finish line, the 29-year-old Dutch cyclist took a moment to celebrate, crossing the line a commanding 42 seconds ahead of Ferrand-Prévot and Pieterse. Although she’s long been known as one of the world’s top stage race riders, Vollering has also proved her prowess in one-day events, and this victory marks a significant addition to her already impressive portfolio.
With this win, Vollering has now amassed a remarkable total of 60 UCI victories, solidifying her status in the world of cycling. The Tour of Flanders, a highlight of the classic racing calendar, has finally found its way onto her list of achievements.
