Niewiadoma wins her first Tour de France title by narrow four-second margin
Polish cyclist Katarzyna Niewiadoma secured her maiden women’s Tour de France title on Sunday, triumphing by just four seconds after a grueling final Alpine stage. The 29-year-old Canyon SRAM rider fought through the punishing ascent of Alpe d’Huez, finishing one minute and one second behind stage winner Demi Vollering but managing to retain the yellow jersey.
“It’s so crazy to be honest, the whole stage was such a crazy rollercoaster,” Niewiadoma said, visibly emotional after learning she had won the Tour. “I’ve gone through such a terrible time on this climb, like I hated everything, then to arrive at the finish line and learn that I won Tour de France, which is insane! It’s so mind-blowing.”
The race took a dramatic turn during Thursday’s fifth stage when Vollering was involved in a significant crash, losing 1 minute 47 seconds to the leader. However, the Dutch rider mounted an impressive comeback, narrowing the gap to just 1 minute 15 seconds before the final stage.
On Sunday, Vollering delivered a powerful performance in the 150km stage from Le Grand-Bornand to Alpe d’Huez, winning the stage in a sprint finish against compatriot Pauliena Rooijakkers. Niewiadoma, struggling on the Glandon ascent, appeared close to losing her lead as Vollering surged ahead, taking a provisional lead in the general classification. However, Niewiadoma rallied in the final 5km, clawing back crucial seconds.
Both cyclists anxiously awaited the official results at the finish line, with Niewiadoma ultimately being confirmed as the overall winner by a slim four-second margin. Vollering and Niewiadoma were both overcome with emotion, reflecting the high stakes and intensity of the race.
For Niewiadoma, who had previously finished third in the last two Tours and eighth in the 2024 Olympic Games road race, this victory was especially sweet. “I think last year’s third place was there to reward me with this victory, and same as two weeks ago, I was so disappointed getting stuck behind a crash during the Olympics,” said the Limanowa-native. “I feel like during this week, all the stars aligned for my team and for myself.”
Niewiadoma completed the eight-stage tour in 24 hours 36 minutes 07 seconds, with Vollering finishing just four seconds behind, and Rooijakkers completing the podium a further six seconds back.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk praised Niewiadoma’s victory, stating on X, “This is one of the greatest achievements in Polish sport. Bad luck at the Olympics, now a bit of luck, but above all skill.”
(Source: AFP)
