As it happened: The race is made with the Oude Kwaremont producing the winner of the Tour of Flanders Women

Demi Vollering of FDJ United-SUEZ claimed victory at the 2026 Tour of Flanders Women with a decisive solo attack on the iconic Oude Kwaremont climb. The Dutch rider showcased remarkable strength and tactical acumen, breaking clear from her rivals and maintaining a commanding lead to the finish. Vollering’s win marks her first triumph at this prestigious race, further cementing her status as a dominant force in women’s cycling this spring. The race unfolded with intense competition among the favourites, including defending champion Lotte Kopecky of SD Worx-Protime, who was aiming for an unprecedented fourth win but ultimately finished fourth. Kopecky’s team faced challenges, including crashes that took key riders out of contention, which hampered their ability to control the race. Pauline Ferrand-Prévot of Visma-Lease a Bike secured second place once again, continuing her streak of near misses, while Puck Pieterse of Fenix-Premier Tech completed the podium in third. FDJ United-SUEZ’s team played a crucial role in Vollering’s success, executing a well-rehearsed strategy that saw teammates support her throughout the cobbled climbs and challenging sections. Riders like Franziska Koch and Alena Gery provided vital assistance, allowing Vollering to conserve energy and time her attack perfectly. The team’s cohesion and resilience were evident, particularly in managing the race dynamics and responding to key moments on the Oude Kwaremont. Post-race reactions highlighted the emotional and physical toll of the event, with Vollering expressing relief and pride in her performance. She praised her team’s effort and described the final kilometres as a test of endurance and focus. Meanwhile, Kopecky acknowledged the strength of her rivals and the difficulty of responding to the decisive attacks, reflecting on the challenges her team faced throughout the race. Looking ahead, the results underline Vollering’s growing prominence as a rider to watch in the upcoming classics and stage races. The race also raises questions about SD Worx-Protime’s ability to regain dominance after a difficult day, while other teams like UAE Team ADQ showed promise but struggled to convert effort into top results. The 2026 Tour of Flanders Women once again demonstrated the tactical complexity and physical demands of the sport, with the Oude Kwaremont proving decisive in shaping the outcome.