Demi Vollering is in a reflective mood. Why, I ask, does she feel the pull, the urge – the obligation? – to use her platform as world number-one to speak passionately from the heart on matters such as mental health, eating disorders, and getting kids active? Tadej Pogačar rarely expresses his thoughts on such matters, so why does she?

“In women’s sport, we know we still need to fight for our position,” says the 29-year-old. “We all know where we came from. This is so fresh in our minds, so we need to fight for our sport. We also know by doing that we can help other women.” It’s this sort of conviction that attracted Nike to partner with the Dutchwoman in 2024 – she is in a blue Nike sweater as she speaks to me by video call from her home in Switzerland.

Combined with her formidable palmarès, her direct, open-hearted approach to interviews and social media has helped cement her status as one of the most influential figures in the women’s peloton.

This article was published by Cycling Weekly magazine in March 2026. To read the full article click here.