Demi Vollering kicks off 2026 season this week with Setmana Ciclista Valenciana title defence

It may still be only February, but the road to the Tour de France Femmes begins this week for 2023 winner Demi Vollering at the Setmana Ciclista Valenciana.

The Dutchwoman is set to make her season debut at the Spanish stage race, which kicks off on February 12 in Gandia and concludes four days later in Valencia.

European champion Vollering, who last year found success in Spain at the La Vuelta Femenina, Itzulia Women, and Volta a Catalunya, has been doing her homework ahead of the race, last Friday tackling a six-hour, 152.5km recon ride on much of the course of that vital stage 3.

Of course, it’s not only the rough terrain she’ll have to contend with this week, though she is the standout favourite to retain her overall title.

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Though most teams are yet to officially confirm their line-ups for the race starting on Thursday, we are expecting appearances from riders like world champion Magdeleine Vallieres, Pauliena Roooijakkers (UAE Team ADQ), Liane Lippert (Movistar) and Ashleigh Moolman Pasio (AG Insurance-Soudal).

On to the Next One ! 🩵From 12-15 FEB // @SetmanaCiclista pic.twitter.com/En9nrpuEbyFebruary 10, 2026