Reusser Beats Vollering in Photo Finish at Dwars door Vlaanderen Women
Marlen Reusser has claimed a thrilling victory at Dwars door Vlaanderen Women 2026, edging out Demi Vollering in a photo finish after a dramatic battle across the Belgian Ardennes. The Movistar champion displayed tactical precision and a fierce sprint to claim her biggest one-day victory of the season, with Lieke Nooijen of Visma-Lease a Bike taking third place after mounting a late charge.
Reusser made her decisive move 24 kilometres from the finish, attacking after the Huisepontweg cobbles had sorted out the contenders. Her early aggression initially caught many off-guard, but Vollering responded with characteristic determination, bridging across at the Nokereberg climb just 22 kilometres later. The pair then engaged in a masterclass of tactical racing, taking turns on the front while keeping a watchful eye on Nooijen, who lurked dangerously in third position. The dynamics shifted constantly as each rider probed for weakness, but neither could establish a decisive advantage until the closing kilometres.
The final kilometre descended into controlled chaos as all three riders jostled for position. Nooijen made a bold attempt to surprise both leaders, nearly stealing the race with a well-timed surge, but Reusser and Vollering's experience proved crucial. In the sprint, both reached for the line with identical desperation, producing a photo finish so tight that officials needed several minutes to determine the winner. Reusser's perfectly executed bike throw gave her the marginest of victories, with her wheel crossing the line fractionally ahead of Vollering's.
Vollering's second-place finish extends her impressive run of form this season despite her earlier setback at Strade Bianche, where organisational chaos derailed her chances. The FDJ United-SUEZ leader demonstrated that she remains a force in the Spring Classics campaign, and her aggressive riding throughout Dwars door Vlaanderen underlined her credentials for the Tour of Flanders and Giro d'Italia. Nooijen's third place was a breakthrough result for the young talent, signalling her emergence as a genuine contender in the women's one-day racing scene.
The victory marks Reusser's third success of the 2026 season and positions her as a major threat heading into the Tour of Flanders next weekend. With her confidence soaring and her legs clearly sharp, the Swiss rider will be among the favourites at the Molenberg and Molenberg climbs, where her climbing ability and tactical acumen could prove decisive.