Stomach Bug Sweeps Through FDJ United-Suez Camp
Demi Vollering successfully defended her elite status by securing her second career victory at the Tour de France Femmes, but the Dutch rider narrowly avoided a major health crisis that threatened to derail her campaign. Throughout the multi-day race, FDJ United-Suez managed a severe stomach flu outbreak that sidelined staff and infected multiple members of the roster, forcing unusual precautionary measures within the team camp.
The contagion materialized early in the competition, according to FDJ United-Suez CEO Stephen Delcourt. Speaking to TNT Sports after the conclusion of the final stage, Delcourt detailed the team’s misfortune inside their shared accommodation. A staff member fell ill first, necessitating an immediate departure from France to return home. Shortly after, the sickness spread directly to several riders sharing the same living quarters.
Living Quarters Fuel Rapid Viral Transmission
“We had an unlucky run,” Delcourt said in his post-race remarks to TNT Sports. “At the beginning of the Tour, one rider fell ill, then another, and then a third. And we were all staying in one room.” The enclosed environment allowed the gastrointestinal virus to transmit rapidly among athletes who relied on close quarters during recovery periods.
Strict Mask Protocols Protect the Yellow Jersey
While teammates battled symptoms, Vollering steered clear of the illness for the duration of the race. At the team buses and inside the mixed zone, Vollering wore a protective face mask while her teammates interacted without them, according to race observations.
Tactical Strength Secures French Grand Tour Victory
Although the viral outbreak compromised the overall health of the FDJ United-Suez roster, Vollering maintained her physical condition through the grueling stages.
Keep reading
