How do Demi Vollering and FDJ-Suez win races? 'Go deep every single time, from the very start'
CyclingWednesday, 22 April 2026 at 20:40
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Follow us on GoogleDemi Vollering took victory at La Flèche Wallonne Femmes in Huy on Wednesday — yet another reason to celebrate at the FDJ-Suez table. Afterwards, the Dutchwoman reflected on the final climb, where she only just held off defending champion Puck Pieterse (Fenix-Premier Tech).
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For Vollering, after the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad and the Ronde van Vlaanderen, it was already her third classic victory of the year, though she made to work for it. She spoke after the race of her pride in both herself and the team's performance.
Continue reading below the video!
Demi Vollering press conference after La Flèche Wallonne
In the Netherlands we say you had to dig it out of your toes — that was very much the case?
"It was full gas to the line and I completely emptied myself. When I looked back and saw Puck out of the saddle, I remembered how strong she was in the final metres last year. So I knew I really had to push myself over the line."
How does that work exactly?
"You try to pace your own effort, and if someone else is stronger, that's just how it is. Puck was better last year, but I know that I have to use every metre that goes uphill to make a difference. That's the tactic I'm trying to stick to this year."
You've finished on the podium here for several years in a row. What's the secret of the Mur de Huy?
"In the end there isn't actually that much tactics involved — it's mainly a matter of having good legs and not going too deep too soon. If you blow up, you're practically standing still or going backwards. You see that happen in the final metres sometimes, and I've benefited from it myself in the past, picking up three riders in the last 100 metres. This climb simply never lies."
Continue reading below the photo!
Your team has been outstanding all year. Does that make winning easier in some way?
"It's never easier, but it does help that you know the feeling. They are all incredibly motivated to go deep every single time, from the very start of the race. Because that's also where you can win races — partly in the opening phase. When everyone has that mentality, it contributes. I've pushed my teammates to the limit — and sometimes beyond it."
How would you describe the atmosphere in the team?
"Really good. I'm someone who thrives in a positive environment, and I feel like I can push myself more because of it. We get on really well together and I genuinely love watching how they all do it. When everyone goes for the maximum, that's something that makes me incredibly proud."
What did you do differently from last year?
"Above all, I'm just very happy to be sitting here without any regrets. Last year, after the race, I thought: ah, maybe I should have started my sprint earlier. This time I went at the moment I felt it — and that turned out to be the right call. And I'm very motivated for what's still to come."
Tom van der Salm (27) comes from the charming town of Zeilberg (Deurne) in the Netherlands and has been working as editor-in-chief & journalist at IDL Pro Cycling's parent site, In de Leiderstrui, since 2019. He travels with the peloton from the Tour de France to the AlUla Tour and from the World Championships in Rwanda or Canada to the Zilvermeercross in Mol. In his spare time he enjoys playing football, mountain biking, running, walking with his Labrador/Stabyhoun, investing, holidays, (specialty) beers, reading, cooking and watching sports & documentaries!
Contact: [email protected]
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