Chabbey wins Strade Bianche after Vollering’s bad luck: "I had to do this for Demi"

Victory for FDJ United-SUEZ at Strade Bianche. Not with team leader Demi Vollering, who had bad luck, but with Elise Chabbey. "So many emotions are running through me right now, I can’t quite believe it yet," said the Swiss rider in the post-race flash interview.

"It’s good that I’m going to a three-week altitude training camp now, so I have time to let it sink in. It’s unbelievable," Chabbey continued. "This is one of my favorite races. I really love it. We started with a very strong team. We had a plan. Demi is the best rider, but unfortunately she was unlucky," referring to Vollering’s puncture.

"I was up front, but I had already made some efforts beforehand. Because of that, I was really on the limit. I wanted to give up, but I thought: no, I have to do this for Demi who’s behind me. And for all my teammates who worked so hard. I thought: I have to get to the finish and see what happens. I crossed the line first... I still can’t quite believe it."

Vollering
Just at that moment in the interview, Vollering came over to give Chabbey a big hug. "Enjoy it!" said the Dutch rider, after which the interview with Chabbey continued.

The Swiss was asked about the battle with Elisa Longo Borghini. "It wasn’t just Elisa and me. There were so many strong riders today. All the big names were on the start list. I’m so proud I could finish it off for the team. We really work as 'United'. Normally it’s Demi, but today it was me. I think she’s just as happy as I am. When she wins, I’m super happy too."