Five questions we're asking after the women's Tour of Flanders

Demi Vollering of SD Worx-Protime delivered a commanding performance to win the women's Tour of Flanders, De Ronde van Vlaanderen, on Sunday. The Dutch rider attacked on the Oude Kwaremont, dropping Elisa Longo Borghini (Lidl-Trek) and Shirin van Anrooij (Lidl-Trek) to solo to victory in Oudenaarde. This marks Vollering's first Monument win of 2024, adding to her impressive palmarès and reinforcing SD Worx-Protime's dominance in the Spring Classics.

Vollering's victory, while individually brilliant, also highlighted the tactical dynamics of the women's peloton, particularly the strength of Lidl-Trek in challenging SD Worx-Protime's stranglehold. Despite having two riders in the final chase, Longo Borghini and Van Anrooij couldn't match Vollering's decisive move, underscoring the formidable individual talent required to win a Monument. This race was seen as a crucial barometer for upcoming Ardennes Classics and a test of team depth beyond a single star rider.

Ultimately, Vollering proved that even with concerted opposition, raw power and impeccable timing still dictate the Monuments. The peloton may be closing the gap, but the top step remains a lonely place for a reason.