On August 18, Katarzyna Niewiadoma of Poland won her first Tour de France Femmes title by narrowly defeating defending champion Demi Vollering in a dramatic final stage at L’Alpe d’Huez. Despite Vollering’s stage victory, Niewiadoma’s fourth-place finish earned her the yellow jersey by just four seconds.
Niewiadoma, who had finished third in the previous two Tours, was overcome with emotion at the finish line, lifting her bike in celebration as Vollering lay exhausted on the ground in despair. Vollering, who began the day eighth overall and 1 minute 15 seconds behind Niewiadoma, was considered to pose the greatest threat on the 149.9-kilometer stage from Le Grand-Bornand to L’Alpe d’Huez.
Vollering’s attempt to retake the lead began near the summit of Col du Glandon, with more than 50 kilometres remaining. Niewiadoma, on the other hand, worked hard to keep the time lost to a minimum, finishing one minute and one second behind Vollering. Vollering’s stage victory earned her an extra 10 seconds, but it was insufficient to retake the overall crown.
Pauliena Rooijakkers of the Netherlands finished second on the stage, followed by Evita Muzic in third. Prime Minister Donald Tusk hailed Niewiadoma’s victory as one of Poland’s greatest sporting achievements.
