"After 6 years, my period returned": Vollering and Ferrand-Prévot spark conversation in women's peloton

After the Tour de France Femmes, Vollering spoke out to the public to prevent younger riders from making the mistake of eating too little or being too preoccupied with food. “We need to create a safe environment where athletes can ask questions, speak openly, and receive the right guidance, especially young, developing riders. Because the risk is very real. Because health is not always visible. Because dysfunctional thinking can grow quietly and remain invisible for a long time,” wrote the Dutch rider.

This set the ball rolling for Germany's Koppenburg, who finished 88th in the Tour. “I’ve won the most important battle – but sometimes it still feels like a defeat,” she began her account on Instagram with a few photos of herself and a telling quote. “Lately, there’s been a lot of talk about eating habits and mental health in women’s cycling – sparked by brave voices like Demi & Pauline.”

“I’m grateful these conversations are happening. But this isn’t new. It’s a shadow that’s hung over our sport for years. I’ve lived it,” admits the Cofidis rider. “I pushed my body to the limit. And I was flying up the mountains. But I wasn’t healthy. I wasn’t happy. I wasn’t me. Choosing recovery was the hardest – and bravest – step I’ve ever taken.”

“I’d do it again. But what no one tells you is: Doing the right thing can feel like a punishment,” Koppenburg tells her followers, taking them through the process. '“You look healthy!” But did those kind words turn into contracts or support? No. I was told things like: “You’re on the right track, it needs time – but we don’t have time.” I didn’t win races lately – but I won myself back.“

“After 6 years, my period returned. I reconnected with my body, my worth. And yet, it still feels like I’m being penalized for healing,” says Koppenburg, who won the Tour of Valencia in 2019 and also finished second in the Tours of Catalonia and Burgos, two of Spain's premier climbing races. “Recovery isn’t linear. It’s messy. Weight fluctuates. Hormones shift. Your power-to-weight drops. It can feel like you’re riding backwards. You question everything – even though you’re finally doing what’s right.”

“In races, the pressure is double: To perform – and to trust the process. What we need isn’t just awareness of RED-S or EDs. We need space to heal. Time. Understanding. Belief. And the real question is: Are we ready-as teams, fans and industry - to give athletes that time?” she asks openly.

“Atm I don’t have big results. But I have myself – and that’s my greatest victory. I’m getting stronger every week. And with the right support, I’ll be back – truly back. Because recovery isn’t weakness. It’s strength. And it’s time we recognize it as such,” concludes Koppenburg, who in turn receives support from Vollering.

“Thank you for being so open! This is another point of view we all forget or don’t see... ❤️,” responded the Dutch woman.