‘I’m just a different type’: Vollering targets Tour de France Femmes title

Demi Vollering, fresh from completing the set of European Grand Tours with a Giro d’Italia victory, arrives as the pragmatic favourite for the Tour de France Femmes, which begins in Lausanne on Saturday. The Dutch rider is aiming to add a second French title to her palmarès after a season that underlined her dominance.

French interest in the race was stirred by Pauline-Ferrand Prévot’s win in the 2025 Tour de France Femmes, but attention has shifted toward Vollering. The 29-year old Dutch rider leads the FDJ United-Suez team and holds the distinction of being the first €1m athlete in women’s racing. This year she completed a grand slam of all three of Europe’s Grand Tours, having sealed the set by winning the Giro, and has drawn notice for an outspoken public profile.

Race observers have described Vollering as the straightforward, pragmatic pick for overall victory this year, a reputation built on consistently high results across stage races and classics. Her Giro triumph completed a sweep of Europe’s biggest stage races for the season, reinforcing her status among contenders. That combination of form and experience makes her the name most frequently cited when discussing the pre-race favourites.

Beyond the results, Vollering’s prominence off the bike has become part of the story around the event; her profile as the sport’s first €1m earner has heightened expectations. The leader role at FDJ United-Suez places additional responsibility on her shoulders, both as a protected rider and as the focal point for team tactics. Those factors contribute to why many see her as the rider to beat in the Swiss start and the stages that follow.

Vollering’s temperament has also attracted commentary, and she has addressed comparisons directly. Vollering said: "I’m just a different type". The remark has been cited in discussions about how she approaches pressure and public attention compared with other high-profile competitors.

With the Tour de France Femmes starting in Lausanne on Saturday, the spotlight will be on Vollering as she attempts to convert this season’s momentum into victory on French soil. How her form, team support and outspoken presence combine over the coming stages will shape both her bid for a second title in France and the wider narrative of the race.