The Cycling Podcast S14 Ep19: Arrivée: Ronde van Vlaanderen (Women)
Apr 5, 2026
Cobblestones, climbs and a decisive solo attack that shaped the podium. Team tactics and positioning on key climbs get dissected. Crashes and illness that reshaped the race are examined. Young talents and breakout performances earn praise. A preview of Paris‑Roubaix and a cheeky waffle rating round out the conversation.
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Why Vollering's Solo Move Stuck
- Demi Vollering's solo win came from combining superior legs, team support, and race conditions favoring a solo move.
- FDJ's positioning across climbs and a strong tailwind into Oudenaarde let Vollering attack on the Quaremont and extend an unbridgeable gap.
Confidence From A Committed Team
- Confidence, clear team roles, and absence of ego made Vollering more composed and tactical than in earlier seasons.
- Lizzy Banks credits FDJ's A-team (Franzie Koch, Elise Chabbé, Célia Jury) for consistent positioning and allowing Demi to time her winning move.
Lotta Capecchi's Form Is Unpredictable
- Lotta Van Vleuten's form this season is inconsistent, making her hard to predict for Flanders and Paris‑Roubaix.
- Rose notes Capecchi showed punch on flatter races but may lack repeated hill endurance needed on the Ronde van Vlaanderen.