"Relief Experienced as Neck Discomfort Lessens - Demi Vollering Advances in Tour de France Femmes Stage 4, Now Approaching Each Day Cautiously"
Demi Vollering Overcomes Crash to Continue Tour de France Femmes Race
Demi Vollering, the Dutch cyclist, showed resilience and determination during stage 4 of the 2025 Tour de France Femmes, despite a crash in the previous stage that left her with multiple contusions and concerns about a potential concussion.
After the crash, which occurred in the last 5km of stage 3, Vollering was checked for knee pain, concussion, and various other injuries. Following multiple medical examinations and a second concussion protocol by her team doctor, the risk of concussion was ruled out. Vollering was cleared to continue racing with close monitoring.
Vollering's relief was visible at the team bus after the stage, where the atmosphere felt close to normal. She expressed her happiness about her team's performance in keeping her safe throughout the stage. Her team, FDJ-SUEZ, was visibly present up front and all around her during the race.
Despite the physical challenges she faced, Vollering did not lose any time in stage 4. She finished the 130.7km stage to Poitiers in 43rd place, on the same time as winner Lorena Wiebes. Vollering's former teammate, Wiebes, won the bunch sprint ahead of Marianne Vos.
Vollering's FDJ-SUEZ team remains in the overall fight, with Vollering being 19 seconds behind the race leader. In 2024, Vollering plunged out of yellow and had a 1:19 deficit to eventual winner Kasia Niewiadoma. However, her performance in stage 4 shows that she is not giving up easily.
The crash in stage 3 caused significant pain and injury concerns initially, but Vollering's concussion was ruled out and she was able to complete the race, though not at her usual dominant level. She struggled physically during the race, losing time and expressing disappointment in her performance, mentioning a lack of power in her legs though her heart and lungs were fine.
The Tour de France Femmes is currently on stage 4 in Saumar. Vollering will continue in the race, having been cleared by the second round of concussion checks. She will face more tension in the upcoming stages, as another sprint stage with sharp bends in the final kilometre is expected. Despite the challenges, Vollering's determination and the support of her team suggest that she will continue to fight back, as she has done in the past.
Demi Vollering, despite a crash during the previous stage of the Tour de France Femmes, demonstrated her love for sports by continuing to race in stage 4. Despite feeling physically challenged and losing time, Vollering's persistence in the face of adversity, coupled with her team's unwavering support, hints at a comeback in future sports events.
