Demi Vollering: Prioritizing Health in Every Career Decision

Demi Vollering Speaks Out on Rider Weight and Health in Cycling

Demi Vollering, the runner-up of the Tour de France Femmes, has taken to Instagram to share her thoughts on a sensitive topic that gained significant attention during the race: rider weight. In a powerful message, she emphasized that her primary focus will always be on her health, stating, “I make, and will continue to make, every decision in my career by putting my health first.”

This statement came after her FDJ-Suez team director, Lars Boom, suggested that losing weight could be a potential solution for Vollering to compete against lighter climbers like Pauline Ferrand-Prévot and Sarah Gigante in the mountains. However, Vollering pushed back, asserting that “the biggest priority is to be healthy.” She also highlighted that she wants to show young athletes that being super skinny isn’t necessary to succeed. “If you have the power and train hard, you can make it,” she said.

Vollering’s comments come at a time when the issue of rider health and weight has sparked concern within the cycling community. Cédrine Kerbaol, another cyclist, had previously called the situation a “dangerous moment” for rider health, urging the sport to break the taboo surrounding the topic. Vollering echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of open conversations about health and performance.

After the Tour de France Femmes, Vollering noticed that around 80% of the questions directed at her during the final press conference were related to her weight. Some of the inquiries included whether she planned to lose more weight, if that would help her win again, or if it was the key to future success. While she acknowledged that such questions are part of the sport, she made it clear that her decisions will always prioritize her well-being.

“I don’t want to force my body to become something that it’s not,” Vollering stated. She added that she is already competing at the top level with a strong, lean, and capable body. Her message extends beyond her own career—she feels a responsibility to younger generations who look up to professional cyclists.

“Why share this now? Because young girls are watching us,” she wrote. “They notice what we say—and what we don’t. What we show. What gets celebrated as ‘the way’ to succeed.” Vollering warned that even subtle messages can plant seeds of harmful behavior in young athletes. “Sometimes, they might not talk about it. Or even realize it’s becoming something harmful. That’s why we—as high-performance athletes, teams, and a sport—have a responsibility.”

She further stressed the importance of creating a safe environment where riders can ask questions, speak openly, and receive proper guidance. “Losing weight is not the ultimate solution,” she said. For Vollering, performance involves much more than just numbers on the scale. It includes strength, balance, proper nutrition, mental resilience, and the ability to recover quickly.

“Without that, no number on the scale will make you faster—or happier,” she wrote. To all young riders, she encouraged them to take care of themselves, ask questions, and trust their bodies. “Every champion’s story is different.”

Vollering concluded with a message of determination. “And yes, for those wondering: I’ll do everything I can to get there again—on my way.”