Lorena Wiebes claimed victory on Stage 3 of the 2025 Tour de France Femmes. Still, the celebrations were quickly overshadowed by a dramatic and distressing crash at the finish, which involved several riders, including yellow jersey favourite Demi Vollering.
The SD Worx-Protime leader may have seen her hopes of overall victory disappear in a matter of seconds. According to an official medical update from her team, Vollering has been hospitalized due to considerable pain, casting serious doubt over her ability to continue in the race.
Vollering was helped across the line by her teammates, visibly emotional and in tears, several minutes after Wiebes had secured the stage win. She was immediately taken to the team bus before being transferred to a hospital for further examination.
“She’s definitely in pain. When you crash at this speed, it’s always a serious impact,” said Stephen Delcourt, general manager of FDJ-Suez. “She’s in shock. She’s experiencing pain in her knees, buttocks, and back.”
Delcourt confirmed that Vollering would undergo additional tests before any decision is made regarding her future in the race. “She remains positive and wants to continue, but we need time to evaluate the situation. She’s at the hospital for check-ups, and we’ll know more tomorrow.”
Blame on the Riders?
Delcourt didn’t hold back in his criticism of the circumstances surrounding the crash, laying the blame squarely on the peloton rather than the race organisers.
“Today’s crash wasn’t the fault of ASO—the riders caused it,” he said firmly. “Everyone wants to be at the front, and so does Demi, but we’re being overtaken from all sides. It’s chaos. How is it possible that riders are willing to risk their lives just for position? There needs to be much more respect for each other’s safety.”
As of now, Demi Vollering’s withdrawal from the race has not been officially confirmed.