Demi Vollering claims stage seven victory in Tour de France Femmes to secure leader’s jersey

Tour de France Femmes: Vollering Claims Victory on Stage 7

In a thrilling display of strength and determination, Demi Vollering emerged victorious on the seventh stage of the Tour de France Femmes, firmly placing herself in contention for the coveted yellow jersey.

Vollering defied the challenging mountain-top conditions enveloped in fog to complete the grueling 89.9km stage in an impressive time of two hours, fifty-two minutes and forty-three seconds.

The Dutch cyclist now leads the overall standings with a commanding one minute and fifty seconds lead over Poland’s Kasia Niewiadoma, leaving only the individual time trial as her final hurdle to secure triumph.

“I gave it my all until the finish line. I felt strong and kept pushing,” shared an elated Vollering after her exceptional performance.

Nerves were running high as she emphasized receiving unwavering support from her team throughout. “The entire team believed in me and urged me to go for it.”

Prior to this remarkable feat, Vollering started off at seventh place before embarking on this challenging leg from Lannemezan to Tourmalet Bagneres-de-Bigorre. She was trailing behind previous race leader Lotte Kopecky by a mere minute while defending champion Annemiek van Vleuten held a twelve-second advantage over her.

The three cyclists formed part of a breakaway group that ascended through two demanding climbs early into the stage. It was in the final foggy ascent of 17km up Tourmalet where Niewiadoma made her decisive move.

In a tense standoff, Vollering and Van Vleuten opted not to chase the leader immediately. However, Vollering unleashed an impressive attack approaching the skiing village of La Mongie.

Vollering eventually caught up with Niewiadoma with just six kilometers remaining and summoned every ounce of energy to cross the finish line first.