Demi Vollering faced a challenging day at the iconic Liège-Bastogne-Liège on April 27, 2025, where she finished in third place, partly due to the effects of her menstrual cycle. The Dutch cyclist, who rides for FDJ – SUEZ, expressed her disappointment but also her understanding of the circumstances that impacted her performance. Vollering, a previous winner of the Tour de France Femmes, had hoped to secure another victory but acknowledged that it was not meant to be this time.
Kimberley Pienaar Le Court made history by winning the race, becoming the first African woman to triumph at this prestigious event, finishing in a time of 4:15:42. Puck Pieterse followed closely behind in second place, while Vollering secured the final podium spot. "I was struggling the whole day, and I didn’t have the best legs. I am a woman, and sometimes you suffer a bit with your hormones," Vollering stated in a post-race interview. Her candid remarks highlighted a topic often overlooked in women's sports—how menstruation can affect athletic performance.
Vollering's third-place finish at Liège-Bastogne-Liège came after a strong spring classics campaign, where she also placed second at La Flèche Wallonne, third at Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, and fourth at San Remo Women, along with a commanding victory at Strade Bianche. Despite not feeling at her best, she was proud of her effort and the support from her team. "I really fought with everything I had. My team did such a good job, and I felt I needed to finish it off for them," she said. "I am very happy that I could finish third, because that’s all I could do today."
Reflecting on her performance, Vollering noted, "My body was against me. I suffered so much, yet, I know I’ve fought even harder battles before. The spring classics have come to an end." Her remarks not only reveal her resilience but also shed light on the physical challenges female athletes face, which are frequently brushed aside in discussions about performance and competition.
Vollering's acknowledgment of her menstrual cycle's impact on her racing performance is a significant moment in sports, where such topics are often considered taboo. "It was not a good day for me. I did not wish for the legs I had today, but you cannot plan that," she explained. Her openness encourages a broader conversation about women's health in sports and the need for more understanding and support for female athletes.
As Vollering looks ahead, she is already focused on her next challenge—the Vuelta a España Femenina, which begins on May 4, 2025. The race starts with a time trial in Barcelona and features a climb-heavy route, including a summit finish at Lagunas de Neila, which suits her strengths. "I rest up and go to the Vuelta. The Vuelta is a nice race, and I hope I can be good there. If I can feel a bit better, we can fight again there," she said, displaying her determination to bounce back.
The 2025 Liège-Bastogne-Liège results were as follows: 1st Kimberley Pienaar Le Court (AG Insurance – Soudal Team), 2nd Puck Pieterse (Fenix – Deceuninck), and 3rd Demi Vollering (FDJ – SUEZ). Other notable finishers included Cédrine Kerbaol in 4th, Lotte Kopecky in 5th, and Marlen Reusser in 6th. Vollering's performance, despite the challenges, reinforces her status as a top competitor in women’s cycling.
In the aftermath of the race, Vollering congratulated Le Court on her victory, emphasizing the importance of new winners in the women’s peloton. "It’s really nice to have a new kind of winner in the women’s peloton. It’s a good sign for women’s racing, and I think it’s exciting times for us," she remarked. This sentiment reflects the growing diversity and competitiveness within women's cycling, which has seen an increase in talent and recognition.
As the cycling season progresses, Vollering's resilience and commitment to her sport will undoubtedly inspire many. Her ability to speak candidly about the challenges female athletes face, combined with her impressive performances, positions her as a role model in the cycling community. The upcoming Vuelta a España Femenina presents an opportunity for her to reclaim her form and continue her pursuit of excellence in the sport she loves.
The world will be watching as Vollering prepares for the Vuelta, eager to see how she channels her determination and experience into her next race. With the spring classics behind her, she is ready to recharge and tackle the challenges ahead, embodying the spirit of perseverance that defines champions.
