In what might be the most expected, but still exciting news in women’s cycling, Demi Vollering, 27, has confirmed a two-year contract with FDJ-SUEZ from 2025 to 2026. The Dutchwoman will join French riders Juliette Labous and Évita Muzic as a general classification co-leader.

FDJ-SUEZ manager Stephen Delcourt confirmed that the deal had been made this spring, but all those involved decided not to go public out of respect for this year’s season with SD Worx-Protime. Since then, there had been rumors that Vollering would join UAE Team ADQ and Lidl-Trek.

“From the very first meeting with the FDJ-SUEZ team, I immediately had a good feeling,” Vollering said in a press release. “I couldn’t get the smile off my face. I’m happy to embark on this adventure, experience something new, and rediscover myself on this team.

“I’ve always liked the collective fighting spirit of FDJ-SUEZ and its attacking mentality during races. We’re going to have a great team, and I’m convinced that great things await us.”

In an Instagram post, Vollering said, “I know I will leave a wonderful group of people behind. But my curiosity and adventurous nature are asking for more growth and the unknown.”

The Nike-sponsored athlete summarized her four years with SD Worx-Protime in several ways: highs, lows, growth, and friendship. “In four years, I have grown a lot in and outside the team. I will forever be grateful for all I have learned, become, and achieved in this team.”

Despite the polite tone of Vollering’s posts, there’s no denying she’s had tension with her team. In the Tour de France Femmes this year, it’s not far-fetched to say that she lost the race because she lacked support after a crash in Stage 5.

With 6.3 km to go, Vollering and several others went down hard in a high-speed curve. She resumed riding 49 seconds later, but with almost no help. Teammate Blanka Vas went on to win the stage, while Lorena Wiebes led in the chase group for eighth. There was talk that radios weren’t working, but that seemed fishy. Even then, there was chatter among fans about Vollering switching teams.

There were similar tensions for Vollering during the 2024 Vuelta a España Femenina, where she seemed to be mostly racing alone, if not competing against her teammates. Anyone could see that lack of support kept Vollering from achieving her highest potential.

FDJ-SUEZ also recently announced Cecilie Uttrup Ludwig’s departure. She will join Canyon//SRAM and replace Elise Chabbey in supporting Kasia Niewiadoma, winner of the 2024 Tour de France Femmes.

Leaving SD Worx-Protime also comes with risks for Vollering, as she departs a team known for its depth, tactical advantage, and proven success in WorldTour races. FDJ-SUEZ, while talented, lacks the same consistency in Grand Tours and will require careful management of its multiple GC leaders, like Labous and Muzic, to avoid conflicts. This also means stepping into a more defined leadership role with higher expectations, raising questions about whether her new team can provide the support she needs to excel.

Other additions to FDJ include Célia Gery, Eglantine Rayer, and Ally Wollaston. And there’s a clear promise that Vollering could work well with Labous, Muzic, and Chabbey, who has transferred from Canyon//SRAM and has been instrumental in Niewiadoma’s success for the past four years.

With FDJ-SUEZ, Demi Vollering will certainly have more freedom and greater opportunities. Time will tell if FDJ has what it takes to support the Dutchwoman at the highest level, especially after so many struggles with SD Worx-Protime. But the move seems good and necessary for all parties involved.

FDJ-SUEZ 2025 Roster

Nina Buijsman, 28 (Netherlands)
Elise Chabbey, 32 (Switzerland)
Léa Curinier, 24 (France)
Coralie Demay, 33 France)
Eugénie Duval, 32 (France)
Célia Gery, 19 (France)
Vittoria Guanzzinni, 25 (Italy)
Amber Kraak, 31 (Netherlands)
Juliette Labous, 27 (France)
Marie Le Net, 25 (France)
Lauren Molengraaf, 20 (Netherlands)
Évita Muzic, 26 (France)
Eglantine Rayer, 21 (France)
Alessia Vigilia, 26 (Italy)
Demi Vollering, 29 (Netherlands)
Jade Wiel, 25 (France)
Ally Wollaston, 24 (New Zealand)