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James Moultrie

'A big change to the team' – How Franziska Koch became a vital domestique for Demi Vollering and one of the best signings of the season

Franziska Koch Demi Vollering Cyclingnews Lars Boom FDJ FDJ UnitedSuez Tour of Flanders
NIVONE, BELGIUM - FEBRUARY 28: (L-R) Race winner Demi Vollering of Netherlands and Franziska Koch of Germany and Team FDJ United - SUEZ react after the 21st Omloop Het Nieuwsblad 2026, Women's Elite a 137.2km one day race from Ghent to Ninove / #UCIWWT / on February 28, 2026 in Ninove, Belgium. (Photo by Luc Claessen/Getty Images).

German champion Franziska Koch has undeniably been one of the best signings of 2026, already marking herself an essential cog in the FDJ United-Suez machine that is spearheaded by Demi Vollering, and she will be vital heading into this weekend's Tour of Flanders.

Koch impressed during her seven-year stint with Picnic PostNL, having stepped up to WorldTour level as a 19-year-old in 2020, but she's reached new heights at the French team, taking fifth at Omloop Het Nieuwsblad and third at Strade Bianche while playing a support role.

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