Vollering vents her frustration over not broadcasting the World Gravel Championships live: "I hope we never experience something like this again"

Anyone present at the elite women's gravel World Cup likely had an enjoyable afternoon. The weather was perfect, creating a friendly racing atmosphere, and the women's race itself featured a captivating course. However, many fans watching from home were unable to enjoy this exciting event as the race was not televised live, nor could it be streamed via the UCI's YouTube channel. This absence of live coverage greatly disappointed Demi Vollering, who finished third in the final results.

To provide some context, it's essential to understand why the race couldn't be watched in a conventional manner. The situation had been clear for some time that live coverage of the women's race might be limited, although there were expectations that at least part of it would be broadcast. A live stream on the UCI's YouTube channel was also anticipated. Shortly before the race's start, a statement was issued, explaining the reason for the lack of live coverage: "The UCI has been informed by the local organizing committee of the World Gravel Championship that the elite women's race will not be broadcast live due to a lack of TV production." The UCI expressed regret over this decision and encouraged fans to follow the race through social media and live timing of the riders' laps. It was also mentioned that a race summary would be posted online as soon as possible.

Demi Vollering, known for her advocacy of women's cycling, is someone who always speaks her mind. Prior to the grueling 140-kilometer race through the prosecco region, Vollering, a top favorite, took time to answer questions from the press, including those from IDLProCycling.com. She expressed her disappointment that such a fantastic race like the World Championships was not broadcast live. Vollering emphasized her frustration, stating, "It's really a shame that this is not being broadcast live. I hope we never see anything like it again. I thought the discussion about broadcasting women's races was over, but nothing could be further from the truth. We still have to fight for it. Again. This is obviously a big disappointment, especially since it is a fantastic race."

Organizers of the gravel World Championships are required to provide television production for both men's and women's elite races starting from 2024

Vollering ended up finishing third, which led her to share her thoughts in the post-race press conference. During the conference, she repeatedly expressed her bewilderment. In her mind, she believed that "one of her toughest races ever" was being broadcast on Italian television. However, when runner-up Sivlia Persico refuted this claim, Vollering's disappointment became even more evident. Even the eventual winner, Kasia Niewiadoma, hinted at finding the situation strange. In this context, it's evident that there is some merit to the criticism that has been voiced.

Niewiadoma and Vollering were not the only ones expressing their disapproval; critical remarks came from various sources. In a way, the organizers have acknowledged their shortcomings and responded to the substantial chorus of critics. It has been announced that starting in 2024, the organizers will be obligated to provide television coverage for both the men's and women's elite races at the World Gravel Championships.