S14 Ep19: Arrivée: Ronde van Vlaanderen (Women)
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This episode of The Cycling Podcast's Arrivé series recaps the 2026 Women's Tour of Flanders, highlighting Demi Vollering's dominant first victory in the race. After an early breakaway involving Marlon Royce and Anastasia Kolosova, crashes eliminated key contenders including Royce and Kim LaCourt. Vollering, riding for FDJ, was supported by a stellar team effort led by Franzi Koch, who controlled the pace on every major climb. Vollering launched a decisive solo attack on the Cuermont, building an unassailable lead that she maintained to the finish, securing her first Ronde van Vlaanderen win. Pauline Ferrand-Prevot outkicked Puk Petersen for second, while Zoe Baxter delivered a career-best fifth, signaling her emergence as a top classic contender. The episode explores Vollering’s evolution from a rider prone to panic to a calm, confident leader, enabled by a team with no internal ego and total commitment to her success. Lizzie Banks and Rosemary Owens also reflect on the form of Lotta Capecchi, the impact of crashes, and the rising stars like Celia Jury and Baxter, emphasizing the mental strength required to thrive under pressure in elite women’s cycling.
Demi Vollering secured her first Tour of Flanders win with a decisive solo attack on the Cuermont climb.
FDJ’s team unity and selfless effort—especially from Franzi Koch—were critical to Vollering’s victory.
Vollering’s mental evolution from past panic to calm, confident leadership marks a significant career shift.
Zoe Baxter’s fifth-place finish signals her transformation from a time-trial specialist into a top classic contender.
Lotta Capecchi’s struggles highlight the challenge of balancing flat-power dominance with hill endurance.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Welcome & Spoiler Warning
The hosts open the episode with a spoiler warning and light-hearted banter about waffles and Easter traditions, setting a celebratory tone before diving into the race recap.
Race Summary: Early Break & Crashes
The early breakaway of six riders builds a five-minute lead, but crashes on the Molenberg and Eichenberg eliminate key favorites like Marlon Royce and Kim LaCourt, leaving Anastasia Kolosova as the sole survivor.
Climbs & Team Tactics
Franzi Koch dominates the climbs, leading FDJ’s effort to isolate the front group. Demi Vollering takes over after the Kreuzberg, setting up her decisive move on the Cuermont.
Vollering’s Solo Victory
“In the end of the day, you know, you can say, oh well, you know, she did have a ride if she didn't have the other cards. In the end of the day, Vollering was just better than everybody else.”
Vollering’s Mental Evolution
“She doesn't have to win every single race either. She can also be a little bit more focused because she's won plenty of races...”
“I just had so much fun. And that's the key. You know, we so often see these breakout performances from riders who are relatively unknown and they'll have one season where they get loads of really, really, you know, notable top tens...”
“In the end of the day, you know, you can say, oh well, you know, she did have a ride if she didn't have the other cards. In the end of the day, Vollering was just better than everybody else.”
“I think what you say about Zoe Baxter said and that, I think that's completely mirrored if you're looking... You know, I listen to the French commentary most of the time and that pressure from the French public is mirrored for Celia Géry...”
Hosts
Demi Vollering
person
Lizzie Banks
person
Rosemary Owens
person
Tour of Flanders
other
FDJ
other
Franzi Koch
person
Marlon Royce
person
Pauline Ferrand-Prevot
person
SD Worx
other
Lotta Capecchi
person
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S14 Ep20: Sweet Little Lies
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S14 Ep21: Arrivée: Paris-Roubaix (Men)
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S14 Ep22: Arrivée: Paris-Roubaix Femmes
The Cycling Podcast • 35m • 4/12/2026
S14 Ep23: Hell of a Debut
The Cycling Podcast • 1h 4m • 4/16/2026
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