Poland’s Katarzyna Niewiadoma secured her first Women’s Tour de France title on Sunday, edging out her closest rival by just four seconds in a nail-biting finish during the race’s final Alpine stage.
The 29-year-old Canyon SRAM rider tackled the grueling Alpe d’Huez ascent, finishing one minute and one second behind stage winner Demi Vollering. This performance was enough to maintain her slender grip on the coveted yellow jersey.
“It’s so crazy to be honest, the whole stage was such a crazy rollercoaster,” an emotional Niewiadoma said after the race. “I’ve gone through such a terrible time on this climb, like I hated everything, then arriving at the finish line and learning 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 massive crash six kilometers from the finish in Amneville, losing 1 minute and 47 seconds to Niewiadoma. Despite this setback, the Dutch rider displayed remarkable resilience, reducing the deficit to one minute and 15 seconds by the final stage.
Reigning champion Vollering delivered a powerhouse performance in Sunday’s 150km stage from Le Grand-Bornand to Alpe d’Huez. She outpaced compatriot Pauliena Rooijakkers in a sprint to the finish, claiming the stage win and putting immense pressure on Niewiadoma.
Niewiadoma struggled on the Glandon ascent, at one point seeming poised to lose her lead as Vollering surged ahead. However, the Polish rider regrouped in the final five kilometers, clawing back crucial seconds to maintain her position at the top.
Both Niewiadoma and Vollering faced a tense wait at the finish line for the official confirmation. The duo dissolved into tears when the results were announced, each reflecting vastly different emotions. Niewiadoma had claimed a historic win by the narrowest of margins.
The victory was especially sweet for Niewiadoma, who had finished third in the previous two Tours and faced disappointment with an eighth-place finish at the 2024 Olympic Games road race.
“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,” Niewiadoma reflected. “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, and 7 seconds, just four seconds ahead of second-placed Vollering. Rooijakkers rounded out the podium, finishing a further six seconds behind.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk lauded Niewiadoma’s achievement, calling it “one of the greatest achievements in Polish sport” on the social media platform X. He added, “Bad luck at the Olympics, now a bit of luck, but above all skill.”
Niewiadoma’s triumph marks a significant milestone in her career and serves as an inspiration to aspiring cyclists worldwide. Her resilience and determination throughout the Tour de France demonstrate the relentless spirit required to succeed in professional cycling.
