Many pro cyclists kick off their December and January training under the warm Spanish sun, climbing the Col de Rates or riding laps around Mallorca as they gear up for the season’s first races and goals. But Demi Vollering takes a different approach, showing that spending time with family can be just as valuable before diving into a busy cycling year.
"This is how I love life!" Vollering writes in an Instagram post. "Sharing a few pictures to reflect on some of my favorite moments from my time at home, where the days were a mix of hard work, fun, and a lot of power naps, thanks to Flo," the Dutch rider reflects.
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Vollering lives in Switzerland, so the mountains are always nearby. However, in winter, it’s far from an ideal training environment. But that doesn’t bother her. "There were definitely moments when the cold made things tough, but honestly, I love a good challenge. It pushed me to make the most out of every single day, no matter what."
That’s one way to look at it. Warm sunshine on your skin is nice, of course, but in a sport that revolves around enduring pain, training in winter conditions might actually have its advantages. Ultimately, as Vollering knows, it’s all about finding balance in cycling and life. "It’s not always easy though. The real challenge is finding the balance where you feel happy, where you’re challenged, where you get enough rest, and where you still have the energy to keep going."
Even Vollering isn’t immune to human struggles. Whether you’re a pro or an amateur cyclist, everyone has days when they don’t feel like getting on the bike. In freezing temperatures, the hurdle becomes even bigger. "The truth is, motivation doesn’t always show up. Even for me, as a pro athlete. It’s all about discipline and building habits, then mastering them to carry you through, so that eventually, it just becomes second nature."
In the end, cycling is about consistency — even for the pros. Vollering encourages everyone to embrace the same mindset. " Trust me, you can do it as well! Go for it!"