The Giro d'Italia Women should be Demi Vollering's to lose, but Grand Tour domination has rarely come naturally to her – Analysis

Demi Vollering enters the upcoming Giro d’Italia Women as the clear favourite, poised to capitalise on her dominant form this season. Once viewed as the natural successor to Dutch legends Annemiek van Vleuten and Anna van der Breggen, Vollering has demonstrated exceptional prowess across the calendar, particularly in one-day Classics where she has claimed multiple prestigious victories. However, her record in Grand Tours, especially at the Tour de France Femmes, has been less consistent, with notable wins but also several defeats, highlighting a gap between her dominance in shorter stage races and the endurance demands of three-week tours. The evolution of women’s professional cycling has played a significant role in shaping Vollering’s career trajectory. Unlike her predecessors, who competed in an era with fewer top-tier professional riders and without the Tour de France Femmes until recently, Vollering faces a much deeper and more competitive field. The sport’s rapid professionalisation, increased budgets, and advanced training methods have raised the overall standard, making sustained Grand Tour dominance far more challenging. Additionally, the scheduling of the Giro and Tour within weeks of each other complicates efforts to peak for both, a luxury not afforded to earlier champions. Comparisons with Van Vleuten and Van der Breggen underscore the shifting landscape in women’s cycling. Both Dutch riders amassed multiple Giro victories partly because the Giro was the premier Grand Tour before the Tour de France Femmes was established. Vollering’s contemporaries, such as Elisa Longo Borghini and riders like Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney and Pauline Ferrand-Prévot, have also matured into formidable competitors, reflecting the broader depth of talent now present. This heightened competition means that while Vollering remains an elite climber and stage racer, outright domination in Grand Tours is no longer a given. Despite these challenges, Vollering’s preparation and current form suggest she is well-equipped to contend for the Giro title. Her climbing ability, particularly on decisive ascents like the Colle delle Finestre, and strength in time trials position her favourably against rivals. Yet, the unpredictability of Grand Tours and the strength of opponents, including the well-supported UAE Team ADQ, mean that victory is far from assured. Vollering’s quest to cement her legacy in Grand Tour racing will be closely watched, as she balances ambitions across multiple major races in an increasingly competitive era.