Unveiling 21 lesser-known facts about Demi Vollering
Demi Vollering: A Cycling Phenom Overcoming Challenges
Demi Vollering, the Dutch cycling sensation, has carved out a remarkable career in the sport, marked by resilience, versatility, and an unwavering love for the outdoors.
Born and raised in Pijnacker near The Hague, Vollering's early years were spent immersed in the world of speed skating. However, her passion for cycling eventually outshone other sports, leading her to quit speed skating and fully commit to cycling in her early twenties while living in Seattle, Washington.
Vollering's professional cycling journey began relatively late compared to many of her peers, but she quickly made up for lost time. In 2019, she turned professional and joined the Dutch Parkhotel-Valkenberg outfit, notching up two wins with the team in 2019 and 2020.
Switzerland has become Vollering's home, providing her with the perfect training grounds in the mountains. Her successes are numerous, with seven stage wins in the Itzulia Basque Country stage race, a testament to her prowess in stage races.
Vollering's victories extend beyond the traditional roads of cycling. In 2023, she finished third in the Gravel World Championships, demonstrating her adaptability and versatility.
However, Vollering's journey has not been without its challenges. Last year, during the Tour de France Femmes, she struggled with anxiety. In a show of empathy and strength, she dedicated her victory on stage five of this year's Vuelta España Femenina to those struggling mentally.
Off the bike, Vollering is engaged to her long-term partner and manager, Jan de Voogd. Her love for the outdoors extends beyond cycling, with cross-country skiing and hiking providing a mental balance that complements her athletic pursuits.
An Olympic veteran, Vollering has competed on the road at both the Tokyo 2021 and Paris 2024 Games, with her best result being fifth in the Paris time trial. This year (2025), Vollering reached a significant milestone, with her professional win tally reaching the half-century mark when she won the Vuelta Femenina in May.
Despite her successes, Vollering has chosen to take a break from the Giro d'Italia Women since 2021. However, her absence from the race has not diminished her status as one of the most successful female cyclists of her generation.
In a memorable moment during the 2023 Strade Bianche, a horse ran onto the course in front of Vollering. Remarkably, she passed it without incident and went on to win the race, a testament to her composure and skill.
Vollering's unconventional path to cycling stardom, her resilience in the face of challenges, and her versatility across various disciplines make her a truly inspiring figure in the world of cycling.
Demi Vollering's passion for cycling eventually outshone other sports she was involved in, leading her to quit speed skating and fully commit to cycling in her early twenties.
Vollering's successes are numerous, with victories in traditional road cycling races, as well as in less conventional events like the Gravel World Championships.
