All's well that ends well: Vollering and SD Worx-Protime part ways with beautiful words

The paths of Vollering and the team part ways after four seasons. The stage racer joined from the Dutch team Parkhotel Valkenburg at the end of 2020 and achieved incredible results with SD Worx-Protime. She added a total of 42 victories to her record, including the Tour de France Femmes (2023), all Ardennes classics, Strade Bianche and a whole series of stage and overall wins in multi-stage races.

Now, that chapter is coming to an end. Mid-season, it became clear that Vollering would not be renewing her expiring contract with SD Worx-Protime. FDJ-SUEZ proudly announced her arrival on Monday. "I know that I will leave a wonderful group of people behind. But my curiosity and adventurous nature is asking for more growth and the unknown," she wrote.

Vollering reflects on four beautiful years in which she forged "friendships for life" and grew as both a rider and a person. "Four years of chasing dreams, with great highs, but also with huge lows within the team. Four years in which I experienced challenges and some bumps in the road that I needed to overcome. Four years in which I sometimes was searching for who I was within the team. Four years doesn’t sound like long, but it definitely feels like a lifetime in the beginning of my career. Thank you team mates, staff, and sponsors. And last but not least: thank you fans! I will be forever grateful for all that I have learned, what we achieved in this team, and who I have become."

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For Vollering, it’s time for "a new adventure and a new beginning," something SD Worx-Protime also acknowledged. "Dear Demi, as you move on to new challenges and opportunities, we wanted to take a moment to thank you for the four unforgettable years," they wrote. "You arrived as a talented rider and you will leave our team as one of the best riders in the world. You wrote history by giving our team our first ever Tour de France Femmes overall victory."

"It was a story of success, of challenges, defeat and victories," they aptly summarized. "Your hard work, dedication, and passion have been truly inspiring. You have not only been an exceptional athlete but also a wonderful teammate and friend. Thank you for your unwavering commitment and for always pushing us to be our best. Thank you for the countless memories, the victories, and the lessons learned along the way. You’ll forever be part of the Team SD Worx-Protime legacy, and for this we thank you. Wishing you all the best in your future endeavors. With heartfelt gratitude..."