SD Worx-Protime think Demi Vollering is heading to FDJ-SUEZ

SD Worx-Protime general manager Erwin Janssen believes that Demi Vollering is on her way to FDJ-SUEZ in 2025 but that his star rider is capable of winning more races throughout the year, starting with the Vuelta Femenina, which starts this Sunday.

Vollering and SD Worx-Protime have already confirmed that they will part ways at the end of the season with GCN breaking the story earlier this month. Several teams have been linked to the defending Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift winner but two heavy hitters in Lidl-Trek and UAE Team ADQ have both confirmed to GCN that negotiations with the 27-year-old have not progressed, while FDJ-Suez have remained tightlipped on the matter.

“I think she goes to FDJ, I think yes but I’m not sure. We read about Lidl-Trek and I knew that they talked for a long time with them, and then UAE but I read that it stopped. I think FDJ is the possibility and I think they have the connection with Specialized and we heard that Specialized might be the team’s sponsor for next year. One and one together equals two,” Jansen told GCN in a call on Friday.

Vollering has enjoyed a huge amount of success since joining the team at the start of 2021, winning both the Tour and the Ardennes triple last season. She has yet to open her account in 2024, despite strong showings in several races. Janssen believes Vollering can turn that around in the Vuelta, where she finished second last year. The eight-day Grand Tour starts with a team time trial on Sunday and is backloaded with mountain stages, which should suit Vollering perfectly.

“For us and for her it’s hard that she hasn’t won until now but we shouldn’t make a big point of that because she will win a lot this year, of that I’m sure. The Vuelta is a good for her to show her real power and we have a really good group going to the race, with Marlen Reusser also back. The goal is to win the Vuelta,” Janssen said.

“With a top athlete, when they don’t win, then the hunger becomes bigger. She also said that last week. I think, for sure, the hunger is bigger and she wants to show her power and qualities. I really think that next week we’ll see the best of Demi.”

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Janssen also played down the notion that the transfer speculation surrounding Vollering had been a distraction and played a part in her results during the spring.

“It’s difficult to say. When you feel completely happy in the team, and with last year, then things come together and you win a lot of races,” he said.

“When there are some issues or some trouble, of course, it can be in the mind of an athlete but what you also see with those type of winners is that in difficult periods they show how strong they are. I don’t think she didn’t win because of that trouble but from the other side, it’s possible but I don’t think it.”

Stay tuned to GCN over the coming days for a full and extensive interview with Erwin Janssen on the growth of the team, rider signings, and the 2024 season to date.

For everything you need to know about the 2024 Vuelta Femenina, from the key information to this year's route and start list, be sure to check out our dedicated race hub.