Demi Vollering secured the European women’s road cycling title in Slovenia, adding the continental jersey to the world championship she won a week prior in Canada, as reported by Sporza.
Solo Attack on the Mozjanca Climb Secures Victory
The race remained tightly controlled during the initial 90 flat kilometers until the peloton reached the local circuit and the grueling Mozjanca climb, which measures 2.1 kilometers at an average gradient of 10.4 percent, according to Sporza. Teammate Puck Pieterse laid the groundwork on the final ascent before Vollering launched an acceleration that dropped her remaining rivals. Unlike the previous week’s world championship where her solo bid fell short in the sprint, Vollering maintained her advantage all the way to the line in Šencur.
Puck Pieterse completed a one-two finish for the Netherlands by sprinting to second place from the chasing group. It’s crazy. We can be very proud of ourselves,
Vollering said regarding the team’s performance, as noted by wielernieuws.be. Switzerland’s Marlen Reusser and Germany’s Franziska Koch attempted counter-attacks on the local circuits, but the numerical and tactical strength of the Dutch squad neutralized the threats.
Ten Dam Manages Squad Using Helmet Sticker
Without radio earpieces permitted during the continental championship, national coach Laurens ten Dam managed the squad from the team car while utilizing a lighthearted tradition. Vollering drew attention in the closing kilometers by pointing toward a sticker on the back of her helmet depicting Ten Dam riding a scooter in Rwanda, as reported by NOS.
It looked almost like PlayStation,
Ten Dam said of his team’s execution, as cited by NOS. They made the right decisions at the right moments. From the car, without being able to say anything, I saw it happening right in front of me.
Lorena Wiebes brought the stickers, which had previously appeared on bike handlebars during gravel events, cementing a lighthearted team ritual that Ten Dam confirmed would likely continue.
Daily Improvement Drives a Historic Season
I dream of a lot.
I love winning, that never gets boring,
she told wielernieuws.be. It is not just about winning, but also improving yourself every day and working on yourself every day to see what else is possible in the future.
That is what I love most about this profession.
The victory marks Vollering’s second career European road title. I can’t wait to race all year next year with that jersey and hopefully I’ll have such a nice season again,
Vollering stated to wielernieuws.be.
Time Trial Finale in Slovenia
Vollering’s schedule leaves little immediate room for celebration, as the individual time trial in Slovenia takes place on Wednesday. That event will mark her final competitive appearance before the start of the off-season. It’s my golden year and it’s not quite over yet,
Vollering noted to wielernieuws.be. After that, it’s time for the off-season.
Worth a look
