'You cannot jump after everything' – Demi Vollering can't continue FDJ United-Suez's winning streak after Amstel Gold Race chase gamble falls short

Demi Vollering of FDJ United-Suez was unable to extend her team’s remarkable winning streak at the Amstel Gold Race Ladies, finishing third behind a solo winner, Paula Blasi of UAE Team ADQ. Despite a strong showing on the final ascent of the Cauberg, where Vollering and Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney (Canyon-SRAM) distanced the main group, Blasi’s long-range attack proved decisive. Blasi broke clear with 21 kilometres remaining, dropping a breakaway companion on the penultimate climb and holding off the chasers to claim a memorable victory. FDJ United-Suez had controlled much of the race, setting a high tempo to position Vollering for another triumph after recent successes in the Tour of Flanders, Paris-Roubaix, Brabantse Pijl, Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, and Strade Bianche. The team’s strategy relied on forcing rival squads to chase Blasi, but this gamble ultimately backfired. Vollering reflected on the difficult tactical decisions, acknowledging that the team had to accept letting a rider go and that, in hindsight, it was the wrong call. The race dynamics were shaped by a series of attacks in the closing stages, with Vollering actively closing gaps herself before the decisive moves. FDJ United-Suez’s commitment to the chase was hampered by a lack of support, as only two teammates remained with Vollering in the finale. She had hoped that Lidl-Trek, which still had several riders in the group, would contribute more to the pursuit, but Blasi’s strength and the relentless pace set by Vollering’s teammates made it impossible to reel her back. Despite the disappointment of missing out on another victory, Vollering emphasised the positives from the day, praising her team’s aggressive and controlled racing throughout. She described the Amstel Gold Race course as a challenging puzzle, where timing attacks is critical but difficult, given the nature of the climbs. Ultimately, while the winning streak came to an end, FDJ United-Suez demonstrated their continued dominance and tactical ambition in the women’s WorldTour.