KIGALI, RWANDA - SEPTEMBER 27: (L-R) Demi Vollering and Riejanne Markus and Team Netherlands react after the 98th UCI Cycling World Championships Kigali 2025 - Women Elite Road Race a 164.6km race from Kigali to Kigali on September 27, 2025 in Kigali, Rwanda. (Photo by Dario Belingheri/Getty Images)
The Netherlands women’s cycling team faced a challenging day at the UCI Road World Championships in Kigali on September 30, 2023. Despite not securing a podium finish, the team expressed satisfaction with their overall performance, with riders Riejanne Markus and Demi Vollering finishing fifth and seventh, respectively. The race was marked by a late breakaway that prevented the top favorites from taking the lead.
In a competition where strategic teamwork often determines the outcome, the Dutch team demonstrated strong collaboration. Vollering noted, “As a team, we worked really well together this year and the communication was really good with all of us, so I’m really proud of that.” The Netherlands fielded a solid squad capable of competing against formidable teams from Italy, France, and Switzerland.
The dynamics of this year’s race differed significantly from previous championships. Vollering acknowledged this shift, stating, “This year it was not us as only one favorite for the race; you saw in the end there were multiple countries in a really strong group.” This change allowed the team to navigate the race with less pressure, which had often burdened them in the past.
While the Dutch team was pleased with their performance, Vollering admitted to feeling disappointed about not earning a medal. “Of course, I came for more,” she said. “Another year that the dream is a little bit crushed for me, but we will keep trying for the next years.” Despite experiencing gastrointestinal issues during the race, she managed to finish strong, demonstrating resilience.
Former world champion Anna van der Breggen faced her own challenges, admitting that she struggled on the day. “I wasn’t ill, it was bad legs,” she explained. “I’ve had that happen more often lately: good and bad days alternating. Today was a bad day.” The unpredictable conditions in Kigali tested all riders, impacting performance levels throughout the race.
The intense competition showcased a variety of tactics among the leading riders. Some, like Kim Le Court-Pienaar, criticized the strategies employed by the favorites, labeling them “stupid.” Vollering, however, recognized the complex nature of the race, remarking, “I think this is something we see a bit more often in women’s cycling, that it’s not always the favorites who win.”
Markus, who had recently joined the Dutch team, achieved her best result at the World Championships. “I’m proud of my final, because I haven’t been feeling completely fit the last few days,” she shared. Her mental fortitude and the challenging nature of the race played a crucial role in her performance.
As the team reflects on this year’s championships, they remain hopeful for future competitions. The experience gained and the lessons learned will undoubtedly serve them well in upcoming events. The Netherlands may not have clinched a medal this time, but their collective effort and determination remain evident as they aim for success in the years to come.
Cycling enthusiasts can follow the developments of the UCI Road World Championships and the stories of competing athletes through various sports news platforms for ongoing updates and analysis.
