Demi Vollering, the reigning European Champion, is set to make a significant return to the Giro d’Italia in 2026 after a five-year hiatus. This strategic decision aligns with her primary objective: securing a second Tour de France Femmes title. The rescheduling of the Giro d’Italia has created a unique opportunity for Vollering to prepare more effectively for the Tour.
In a recent online press conference ahead of the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, Vollering explained, “Because I need an altitude training camp to be at my best in the Tour, I couldn’t ride the Giro in recent years. Now that the Giro has been moved forward, I can do an altitude training camp before the Giro and also before the Tour. That’s actually the main reason why the Giro is now on my program.” (lequipe.fr)
Vollering is particularly eager to tackle the Colle delle Finestre during the Giro. She noted, “I have never ridden up the climb, but the Finestre just looks very cool. Everyone knows the climb, and I’m curious to see what it’s like to ride up there. We will reconnoitre the Finestre before the Giro; I’m really looking forward to that.” (lequipe.fr)
While the Giro d’Italia serves as a crucial preparatory event, Vollering’s ultimate focus remains on the Tour de France Femmes. She has expressed her ambition to reclaim the yellow jersey, stating, “I want to win the Tour de France with the team.” (cyclingnews.com)
In the 2025 season, Vollering faced challenges, including a narrow second-place finish in the Tour de France Femmes, missing the title by just four seconds. She also experienced a crash during the 2025 edition of the race but was cleared to continue after medical assessments. (theguardian.com)
Looking ahead, Vollering is set to begin her 2026 campaign with the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, followed by the Strade Bianche, Dwars door Vlaanderen, the Ronde van Vlaanderen, and the Ardennes classics. She is particularly excited to return to the Ronde van Vlaanderen after a one-year absence, expressing her love for the cobblestones and her eagerness to compete. (lequipe.fr)
With a clear strategy and renewed determination, Demi Vollering is poised to make a formidable impact in the 2026 season, balancing her ambitions in both the Giro d’Italia and the Tour de France Femmes.
Demi Vollering’s 2026 Season Plans and Challenges:
- ‘I make every decision in my career by putting my health first’ -Demi Vollering speaks out on rider weight issue after Tour de France Femmes, Published on Friday, August 08
- ‘I feel OK’ – Demi Vollering cleared to continue Tour de France Femmes after crash, Published on Tuesday, July 29
- Malgré la chute de Demi Vollering, l’armada de la FDJ-Suez à l’assaut du Tour de France Femmes, Published on Tuesday, July 29