Third place Demi Vollering celebrates neo pro teammate who stole the show at the Giro d’Italia: ‘I love it!’

Where many had expected a duel between Marlen Reusser of Movistar and Demi Vollering of FDJ-SUEZ in the uphill time trial, it was Anna van der Breggen who delivered the knockout blow. Vollering finished third, 1:10 behind her compatriot, while her teammate, new professional rider Lauren Dickson, impressed with sixth place.

Vollering crossed the line completely spent. “It was good to really dig deep again for once, after a long time, since the Classics,” the Dutch rider said first. “I am satisfied with my effort and the others showed how strong they are. They did a good job,” she said, referring to Reusser, who was a few seconds faster, and especially Van der Breggen.

The FDJ-SUEZ leader had already tested her legs on Monday, mainly with this climb time trial in mind. “It was good to test the legs after some easier stages, both mentally towards the time trial and with what is still to come later this week.”

Can we expect attacks from Vollering in the next few days too, since she has time to make up? “Who knows?” she replied to Eurosport. “This was the first goal, and then we look at the other stages. It felt like I could push well, and I hope I can recover well and keep going.”

FDJ-SUEZ was the only team to place two riders inside the top ten — and therefore in the virtual GC — because Lauren Dickson finished sixth. The 26-year-old Brit, who previously did trail running and triathlon, only took up cycling very late and has been a pro for just a few months, but once again showed, after her third place in the Basque Country and a number of other placings, that she has the right material.

“I love it!” she said about her first months as a pro at FDJ-SUEZ. “They take care of me and give me a programme that works well for me. I’m learning from the best, and they share their experience and everything with me. As for ambitions, I am riding this race entirely for Demi. We want to win this Giro with her.”