UCI’s call doesn’t fall on deaf ears: “Consider this my first response,” says lively Demi Vollering

An email from the UCI headquarters landed on Wednesday in the inboxes of all relevant stakeholders in cycling. Subject line: “The UCI launches a consultation on the future of the organisational model for men’s and women’s professional road cycling.”

The aim? “To develop the organisational model of the sport and thereby strengthen its long-term attractiveness.” And who should (or can) help shape that? “The UCI invites all parties involved — riders, organisers, representatives and owners of UCI teams, as well as representatives of national federations — to contribute individually to this discussion.”

That message certainly didn’t fall on deaf ears. With the weather around Lake Lucerne — where she is based in Switzerland — not cooperating, Demi Vollering got in the car and headed to Italy to explore Lake Como on a six-hour ride.

“And now I really want a women’s Tour of Lombardy,” the FDJ–SUEZ rider and reigning European champion realised after her ‘recon’ over, among other roads, the Muro di Sormano. “Consider this my first response to your letter, David Lappartient,” she added, cleverly referencing the UCI president’s message.

Vollering has already won the Tour of Valencia this season and will normally resume her campaign at Omloop Het Nieuwsblad. Of the Monuments, she has so far won Liège–Bastogne–Liège.