Demi Vollering defends Women’s Tour title in historic win

Dutch cyclist Demi Vollering on Sunday won her second Women’s Tour de France title, dethroning defending champion Pauline Ferrand-Prévot, who dropped out of the race on Saturday.

The 31-year-old Vollering claimed victory after a dominant week in the mountains, where she outpaced the field on climbs like the Col du Tourmalet and the Col de la Loze. Ferrand-Prévot, a five-time world champion, had been favored to repeat but struggled with fatigue and lost ground on the final stages. Vollering’s win marks the first time a rider has successfully defended the title in the Women’s Tour, which started in 2014.

The race was a showdown between two of cycling’s brightest stars. Vollering, known for her relentless climbing and tactical racing, secured her first title in 2023 and now joins an elite group of repeat champions. Ferrand-Prévot, a versatile all-rounder, had won the previous two editions but faced stronger competition this year, including the rising American star Celine Hangl. The Women’s Tour has grown in prestige since its launch, drawing top riders and bigger audiences each season.

Vollering’s victory cements her status as one of the sport’s greats and could push organizers to expand the race’s length or profile. The win also highlights the growing investment in women’s cycling, with teams and sponsors committing more resources to the sport. Next year’s edition will likely feature even fiercer competition, but for now, Vollering stands alone at the top.