Demi Vollering, the defending champion from Team SD Worx–Protime, secured the yellow jersey at the Tour de France Femmes after an impressive win in the third stage.
The 27-year-old Dutch cyclist dominated the 6.3-kilometer individual time trial in Rotterdam, finishing with a time of seven minutes and 25 seconds.
Her performance was five seconds faster than American rider Chloe Dygert, who came in second. Dutch cyclist Loes Adegeest rounded out the podium in third place.
Charlotte Kool, another Dutchwoman from Team DSM–Firmenich, lost the yellow jersey after winning the first two stages. Demi Vollering‘s unexpected victory has now shifted the momentum in her favor.
“I didn’t expect this at all,” Demi Vollering admitted. “I had no idea I could do this today. I’m really surprised. I wasn’t even thinking about the podium. The first few days were just about surviving.”
Demi Vollering’s focus is now on stage four, a 122.7-kilometer ride from Valkenburg to Liege. “Today, I was already thinking about stage four, which I really love,” she added. “I stayed calm and went for it. It’s great to have the yellow jersey now, but it’s up to the other teams to try and take it.”
With her eyes set on the next stage, Demi Vollering is determined to maintain her lead and continue her quest for another Tour de France Femmes title.
