Demi Vollering goes full for Ardennes tripple in Liège-Bastogne-Liège

Demi Vollering goes full for Ardennes tripple in Liège-Bastogne-Liège

"This remains my favourite race"

22/04/2023

Demi Vollering has a thing for La Redoute and Liège-Bastogne-Liège. It was there that she first realised she could turn pro. In 2021, she won her first classic race there in her first year with Team SD Worx. This year, she plans to add a special memory to it. If she wins Liège-Bastogne-Liège, she will be only the second rider since Anna van der Breggen in 2017 to succeed in the Ardennes Tripple. "My plan is ready," she said.

Linked race Luik-Bastenaken-Luik - Linked cyclists Demi Vollering Elena Cecchini Niamh Fisher-Black Christine Majerus Marlen Reusser Mischa Bredewold - Gekoppelde ploegleiders: Danny Stam

"This remains a special race for me," states Demi Vollering. "Even before I rode Liège-Bastogne-Liège for the first time, I had often cycled in the Ardennes. I could so imagine racing up La Redoute one day. So it was in the Ardennes that I first realised I would be better off quitting ice skating and focusing on cycling instead. In my first pro year, I immediately came third in Liège-Bastogne-Liège. That was an eye opener for me. Since then, I was keen to win this race. In 2021, I succeeded immediately in my first year with Team SD Worx. With world champion Anna van der Breggen pulling full my card. That remains a great memory."

Demi Vollering has already had almost a perfect spring. Since her win in Strade Bianche, she has finished first or second in each of the subsequent races. In Liège-Bastogne-Liège, after her wins in Amstel Gold Race and Flèche Wallonne, she can become the first since Anna van der Breggen to win all Ardennes classics in one season. "I'm trying not to be so preoccupied with it this season. Last year the Ardennes tripple was actually what I dreamed of and then it failed."

"I wanted to win so badly then that I was afraid of losing. But to win, you just have to dare to lose. It's about gambling and taking risks and daring to go for it. If you eliminate every risk, you are left empty-handed. That's why I try not to focus on that tripple. Of course it's in the back of my mind, but I focus on what I can control. Also in the race, I don't focus on winning, but on executing what I want to achieve in the race. In the Amstel, that was my attack. In the Flèche Wallonne, I wanted to pace the last climb in the best possible way. Again, I have a plan, but it will remain a secret for now."

Tadej Pogacar could also become the first since Philippe Gilbert in 2011 to complete the Ardennes tripple. "He is so strong now. I think he might succeed. He knows perfectly well what he has to do to win. I'm also very curious about the battle with Remco Evenepoel. But first, then, our race. I hope the puzzle pieces fall into place again on Sunday," Vollering concludes.

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