'Stupid' crash puts Vollering's race in doubt as team lash out

Team director of 2023 winner labels other riders 'disrespectful' after she goes down in high-speed crash

- Jeremy Whittle

Demi Vollering's hopes of continuing in the Tour de France Femmes are uncertain after she crashed at speed on the approach to the finish of stage three in Angers.

Vollering landed on her back and left side, and hit her head, but was able to remount and finish the stage, which was won by Lorena Wiebes of Team SD Worx-ProTime. "Stupid crash," the 2023 champion told teammates after getting back to her FDJ-Suez bus. "I could already see it coming."

The 28-year-old appeared to sustain most of the impact on her back, although she was also seen checking her helmet for damage. Vollering also crashed in the Femmes last year, again injuring her back, when leading the race overall.