Demi Vollering can sign 'best offer of her life' by FDJ United-SUEZ
Demi Vollering has a contract ending soon with FDJ United-SUEZ, but team manager Stephen Delcourt wants the Dutch rider to stay with the French team until the end of her career. In an interview with cycling journalist Daniel Benson, Delcourt is straightforward. "We are working on a special contract," he said.
Delcourt first speaks about the overall ambitions of his team for the coming years. "After twenty years, we’ve reached a crucial point. We employ about fifty people, including the riders, and we want to take the next step. Over the past five years, we have done everything to become one of the best teams, and last season we finished at the top of the UCI rankings."
"I spent the entire winter with our sponsors to see if they want to continue after 2028. We have dedicated a lot of time together to mapping out the future. Extending the riders’ contracts is part of that, just like the sponsors, but it’s also about how we can grow and change women’s cycling, both in terms of performance and marketing."
More than 'just' a rider
For Delcourt and FDJ United-SUEZ, it is especially important that the team’s absolute leader, Demi Vollering, stays longer. "The situation with Demi is really special because, to me, she’s more than just an athlete. From my side, I really want to continue with her, and feedback from her agent and Demi herself shows that she is very happy with the team."
"We are trying to draft a 'special contract' for her because she is an exceptional rider. It’s not just about the financial aspect. I hope we can arrange something for the upcoming period and sign a very unique contract. Something no one thought possible. That’s my motivation, but I’m not the only one deciding. However, I understand from her that she wants to stay."
"I think we are close to an agreement"
"The contract length isn’t the only issue," Delcourt adds. "Demi is not an average rider. When we talk, she always wants to discuss values. She has a dream and wants to inspire the next generation. [...] I think we are close to an agreement, and I want to offer her the best contract of her life. Maybe we will sign in a week or two, maybe in one or two months."
