‘Playing the game’ – Demi Vollering’s sprint to second on stage 5 of Tour de France Femmes eases but not erases crash impact concern

There was very little evidence of the tough run that Demi Vollering and FDJ SUEZ have had as stage 5 of the Tour de France Femmes to Guéret unfolded. The 2023 champion was looking every bit in control as she charged to the line near the front of a group of favourites, taking second on the stage and jumping to third overall.

It was a stark contrast to the way Vollering finished stage 3, riding across the line between two teammates. She looked like a rider who was back to full strength in this stage, which offered a tough enough challenge to cause a serious GC reshuffle, but there are far harder stages to come.