Demi Vollering Has Mixed Feelings: "Came for Stage Wins and Yellow Jersey, Got Neither

The Tour de France Femmes ended with mixed feelings for Demi Vollering. After finishing second in the final stage to Châtel, she also stood on the overall podium in second place, having managed to drop Sarah Gigante. Her crash earlier this week left a significant mark, but that was not her first thought. "I came here for stage wins and the yellow jersey, but I didn't achieve either," said an emotional Vollering just after the finish.

"It's very disappointing, but after the third stage, we weren’t sure if I could continue," said the FDJ-SUEZ team leader in an interview with Eurosport. Thoughts and uncertainty about the crash ran through her mind, as there were concerns about a concussion. "I didn’t know if I could go on or how it would turn out. That I could keep riding, secure a few top-3 finishes, and finish second here... That was the best possible outcome, especially after the crash."

The overall victory went to Pauline Ferrand-Prévot, who took control on the Madeleine climb and rode three minutes clear of Vollering. "Pauline was flying yesterday and made the difference again today. She had the advantage of not having to work while we were all taking pulls at the front, so that was a big plus for her, but she was incredibly strong once again," she said.

In the final stage, Vollering aimed for a stage win, launching a late attack just before Châtel. That attempt failed, after which Ferrand-Prévot accelerated in the yellow jersey and finished solo. "I had to try something. In hindsight, maybe I should have stayed with Pauline on the last climb," she reflected. "But if I don’t try, I’ll never know. I wanted to give everything, but my attack created the perfect moment for her to counter. Looking back, it wasn’t very well planned, but that’s racing."