Fellering: “The Games, the Tour and the World Championship are my three main challenges”
Demi Fellering (27 years old) is one of the outstanding figures in the women’s peloton today. Last year’s winner of the Tour de France, she finished second in the 2023 women’s Vuelta (two stages) behind her compatriot Van Vleuten, who has since retired. SD Worx, which said its driver has not accepted an extension and is finishing his contract this season, is one of the best candidates to finish top of the podium at Waldeski. At Fort Rapitan he achieved his first victory of the campaign and wore the leader’s jersey. A Dutch woman visits AS during La Vuelta Femenina.
How is he in shape?
I feel good, I came from the Ardennes in good shape and from the time we finished there until La Vuelta, so little time has passed that it is difficult to be in any other shape. Then you have to cross your fingers and hope that your fitness will lead to a good position.
He’s putting together great performances in 2024… but victory has eluded him(This time in 2023, he already has five conquests to his name.). Does this affect your confidence?
Yes, I have confidence, and even more so given the difficult days that await us here at La Vuelta. We have a great team in the general classification and we will try to fight for everything.
It’s a Vuelta with a little heat and rain… What conditions do you prefer?
I usually adapt well to cold and rain. Of course, it’s not like here in the Ardennes, but for Spain it’s cold compared to what we’re used to. For me it’s not that bad.
Van Vleuten, the reigning champion, is no more, and you are a big favorite. Who do you consider your main rivals?
Elisa Longo Borghini. She and her Lidl-Trek team are very strong and she has great teammates. We also have Neviadoma, who is very good, and even more competitors fighting. We need to go day by day.
What do you think about La Vuelta and its growth?
It’s great to see this happening. This year there is another stage. It is also very important that we have a live stream so that young girls can watch our races and be inspired by us. It’s a distinct race with a big following and you see more and more girls wanting to become cyclists.
SD Worx announced that it is not responding to the renewal offer and this is his last season. Is this the reason this year is special?
I don’t think anything about it now. I just want to run around and enjoy playing with the team. I’m focused on racing. (His future points to the French team in FDJ-Suez. AS has learned that the UAE, another theoretical candidate, was never involved in the race for the signature.).
Last. What are your big goals for this season?
Olympic Games (July), Tour de France (August) and peace (September). These are my three big goals.
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