Demi Vollering won the Vollering rainbow jersey battle on Saturday, outsprinting Kasia Niewiadoma for the elite women’s world road title.
The Dutch rider capped a dominant team performance with victory after a race that nearly escaped her control. Vollering attacked from distance, got caught, then recovered to win a tense two-rider sprint.
Niewiadoma initially moved ahead when she opened the sprint in the final 200 meters. Vollering came past before the line and celebrated with her arms wide. The Polish rider crossed second while clutching her thigh, apparently battling cramp.
Elisa Longo Borghini took third for Italy after a late chase that almost reached the front pair. Switzerland’s Marlen Reusser also closed in during the final kilometer, but ran out of road.
Vollering rainbow jersey dream follows Dutch control
Vollering said she could barely process the victory after years of pursuing the world title. She said she had carried the dream “in my heart” and had worked intensely toward it.
She also credited the Dutch squad, which committed fully to her chances. Vollering said the team’s sacrifice placed pressure on her to complete the job.
The Netherlands shaped the race from early on. The squad chased down a four-rider move that included Natalie Qiunn of the United States. Dutch riders then kept the pressure high and protected Vollering through the decisive laps.
They also avoided a major crash that damaged several contenders’ races. Defending champion Magdeline Vallieres of Canada was among those affected. Kate Courtney of the United States and Paula Blasi of Spain also saw their hopes hurt.
Vollering grew more visible as the race tightened. With 38.5km remaining, she made her major move on the third-last ascent of Voie Camillien-Houde. The attack immediately opened a gap, but it never became comfortable.
She later admitted she wondered whether she had gone too early. The gap hovered around narrow margins, and Vollering said she feared the chase was already near her wheel.
Niewiadoma and Longo Borghini bridge across
Behind her, the chase reorganized with several strong riders. Longo Borghini, Niewiadoma, Reusser, Dominika Włodarczyk and Puck Pieterse came together. French riders Maeva Squiban, Juliette Berthet and Célia Gery were also in that group.
The group worked well enough to keep Vollering within reach. Longo Borghini and Niewiadoma then broke clear and bridged across with 15.2km to go.
Longo Borghini attacked on the final climb and briefly went clear. Vollering and Niewiadoma brought her back before the top, then dropped her. That left the Dutch and Polish riders alone at the front.
Vollering said she had to reset mentally after the catch. She described the moment as difficult, but said the race was still not over. Her response was to keep attacking and believe until the finish.
Longo Borghini mounted one last pursuit before the sprint. Reusser also threatened to make contact, adding tension to the final run-in. Vollering and Niewiadoma held them off by just enough.
The victory came on Vollering’s eighth attempt at the world road title. It also completed a rare achievement in women’s cycling. With wins in the Tour, the worlds and the Giro, she became only the second female rider to take that triple crown.
Annemiek van Vleuten, Vollering’s compatriot, previously achieved the same feat in 2022.
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