Demi Vollering Reigns Supreme: Tour de France Femmes Concludes with Thrilling Time Trial

The second edition of the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift reached its exhilarating conclusion with an individual time trial on the 22.6km course starting and ending in the picturesque city of Pau. The mainly flat route, with a small hill in the middle, provided the ultimate battleground for the cyclists to showcase their time trial prowess and secure their overall standings.

With Mavi Garcia (Liv Racing TeqFind) unable to start due to illness, 123 determined riders embarked on the final stage. The riders set off at one-minute intervals, with the last 20 racers separated by two minutes to determine the Tour’s ultimate victor.

The race witnessed intense battles for the podium positions as U23 Time Trial World Champion Vittoria Guazzini (FDJ-Suez) set the early pace, followed by several strong contenders like Georgie Howe (Jayco AlUla) and Audrey Cordon-Ragot (Human Powered Health). However, it was Grace Brown (FDJ-Suez) who initially took the hot seat with an impressive time.

The stage’s drama escalated when European Champion Marlen Reusser (SD Worx) showed her time trial expertise, clocking the fastest time of 29:15. Reusser’s blistering performance earned her a significant lead over her competitors, as she remained the only woman to break the 30-minute mark.

The battle for the overall podium unfolded as Lotte Kopecky (SD Worx) delivered a spectacular performance, finishing third on the stage and securing second place overall. Kasia Niewiadoma (Canyon-SRAM), previously occupying the second position, was only separated by 21 hundredths of a second, eventually securing third place.

As the last rider to start, yellow jersey wearer Demi Vollering (SD Worx) entered the time trial with determination. She exhibited immense strength, setting the second-fastest pace on the intermediate check and securing second place on the stage, confirming her overall victory.

Demi Vollering’s triumph as the champion of the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift was the result of hard work, self-belief, and a balanced approach to racing. She expressed her elation and gratitude after the race, cherishing the accomplishment of her dream season.

SD Worx dominated the final stage, with Marlen Reusser securing victory and Demi Vollering and Lotte Kopecky claiming second and third, respectively. The team’s outstanding performance showcased their exceptional strength and teamwork.

The yellow jersey victory was a fitting reward for Demi Vollering’s exceptional talent and dedication throughout the Tour de France Femmes. Her ability to maintain her composure while performing at her best made her a deserving champion.

In addition to her overall victory, Lotte Kopecky also secured the green jersey for her exceptional performances in the points standings. Kasia Niewiadoma triumphed in the polka-dot jersey competition, while Cédrine Kerbaol (Ceratizit-WNT) claimed the white jersey for the best young rider.

The team competition witnessed SD Worx emerge as the victors, showcasing their collective strength and unity. Yara Kastelijn (Fenix-Deceuninck) received the super-combativity prize for her relentless determination and impressive performances.

The 2023 Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift was a testament to the cyclists’ determination, endurance, and competitive spirit. As the event drew to a close, it left an indelible mark on the world of women’s cycling, inspiring athletes and fans alike.