‘A big change to the team’ – How Franziska Koch became a vital domestique for Demi Vollering and one of the best signings of the season

German champion Franziska Koch has undeniably been one of the best signings of 2026, already marking herself an essential cog in the FDJ United-Suez machine that is spearheaded by Demi Vollering, and she will be vital heading into this weekend’s Tour of Flanders.

Koch impressed during her seven-year stint with Picnic PostNL, having stepped up to WorldTour level as a 19-year-old in 2020, but she’s reached new heights at the French team, taking third at Omloop Het Nieuwsblad and fifth at Strade Bianche while playing a support role.