Sigma Sports Cafe Ride

Demi Vollering

One of the most successful cyclists of the modern era, Demi Vollering joins Matt Stephens for a recovery ride in the picturesque setting of Lake Lucerne in this stunning episode of the Sigma Sports Café Ride. Taking a break from her busy racing schedule, and fresh from her GC victory at Volta Catalunya, Demi treated Matt to perhaps the most beautiful route we’ve ever seen on a Café Ride.

With so many victories under her belt, and so much motivation for more, there was plenty to chat about - soundtracking the postcard Swiss scenery to perfection. No Vollering recovery ride is complete without an appearance from Flo - Demi’s famous back-pack loving pooch.

But with this trio baking in the midsummer sun, will Flo’s suggestion of cooling off in Lake Lucerne be a shock to the system for Matt?

Want to explore the series? Find out about the other Sigma Sports Cafe Ride guests and watch all the episodes.

The Route

The Sigma Sports Cafe Ride team jetted off to Switzerland for a truly breathtaking ride around the outskirts of Lucerne. A route which was blessed with wall to wall sunshine, Matt and Demi traversed the maze of roads around the north side of the lake. Heading out in the direction of Rotkreuz before looping back to stop for a spot of lunch at the Peperoncini 1313 cafe in Udligenswil, the duo then spun back towards the lake for a much deserved post ride dip.

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The Bike

One of the fastest riders in the pro peloton, Demi Vollering asks only the best from her equipment and as such partners with leading road cycling brand Specialized. Matching the Dutch powerhouse, Matt too opted for a Specialized bike in the form of a flagship S-Works Tarmac SL8. Fully equipped with a Shimano Dura Ace 12-speed Di2 groupset, Roval Rapide CLX II wheels and a Specialized S-Works Power saddle this bike means business, as does Mr Stephens who put it through its paces on the undulating Swiss roads.

The Kit

It wasn't just the temperature sizzling out on Swiss lanes, Matt's kit ensemble was off the charts too, with our host looking fresh in his Universal Colours Chroma jersey and bib short pairing. This was complemented by a Specialized S-Works Evade 3 Helmet and Specialized S-Works Ares 2 Road Cycling Shoes. Staying hydrated and on top of his fueling, Matt and Demi enlisted the help of Maurten, with energy products keeping them topped up on the 50km loop.

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