The road to the Tour de France Femmes is already taking shape, and for 2023 champion Demi Vollering, it begins this week at the Setmana Ciclista Valenciana in Spain. The Dutchwoman will make her season debut at the four-stage race, which started today, February 12th, in Gandia and will conclude on February 15th in Valencia.
Vollering is launching her second season with FDJ-SUEZ, returning to the event where she began her 2025 campaign. Last year, she capitalized on a stage win to secure overall victory, finishing 34 seconds ahead of Movistar’s Marlen Reusser.
The race route features several challenging climbs, but stage 3, from Agost to La Nucia, is expected to be decisive. This queen stage boasts 2,600 meters of elevation gain, including the first-category Port de Tudons (15km at 5%), the second-category Port de Confrides (6.4km at 4.8%), and a subsequent descent to the finish line. The other stages – 1, 2, and 4 – present less formidable challenges, with elevation gains of 1,300 meters on the first two and 1,000 meters on the final stage, which includes the second-category Port de l’Oronet (5.4km at 4.9%) 31km from the finish.
Vollering has been meticulously preparing for the race, recently completing a demanding six-hour, 152.5km reconnaissance ride covering much of the crucial stage 3 terrain last Friday. This dedication underscores her commitment to defending her title and building momentum towards the Tour de France Femmes.
While team lineups are still being finalized, anticipated participants include world champion Magdeleine Vallieres, Pauliena Rooijakkers (UAE Team ADQ), Liane Lippert (Movistar), and Ashleigh Moolman Pasio (AG Insurance-Soudal). The presence of these strong contenders suggests a competitive field eager to challenge Vollering’s dominance.
Vollering’s participation in Setmana Ciclista Valenciana marks an important early-season test. Her performance will not only gauge her current form but also provide valuable insights into her strategy and capabilities as she sets her sights on the Tour de France Femmes. The 2024 edition of the Tour was marked by misfortune for Vollering, who lost the yellow jersey following a crash just 6.5km from the end of stage 5. She finished the race 1:19 down on overall winner Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney.
The crash at the 2024 Tour de France Femmes clearly weighed on Vollering, as she has reflected on the experience in recent months. Despite the setback, she remains a top favorite for the yellow jersey in the upcoming race. Her transfer to FDJ-SUEZ, a home-favorite team, adds another layer of expectation and motivation.
Vollering’s 2025 season began with a decisive solo attack on the final climb of Stage 1 at Setmana Ciclista Valenciana, demonstrating her early form and ambition. She powered away from the field with just over a kilometer remaining on the Cat. 2 Alto de Barx, securing her 45th career victory and setting an early marker for her rivals. Anna van der Breggen, making a return to professional racing after three years as a sport director, finished third, 30 seconds behind Vollering, showcasing her continued competitive edge.
The Dutch rider expressed satisfaction with her team’s performance and her own physical condition, stating, “The team was really strong today, so I hoped to finish it off. I feel really good on the bike.” She also acknowledged the support of her teammates, Marlen Reusser and Anna van der Breggen, who played a crucial role in setting up her winning attack.
Vollering’s success at Setmana Ciclista Valenciana is a promising sign for her season. Her ability to launch a powerful attack and maintain a solo lead demonstrates her strength and tactical acumen. As she prepares for the Tour de France Femmes, she will undoubtedly be looking to build on this momentum and avoid the misfortune that plagued her in 2024. The race in Spain serves as a crucial stepping stone towards her ultimate goal: reclaiming the yellow jersey and solidifying her position as one of the world’s leading cyclists.
