Kasia Niewiadoma has secured her place in history, winning the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift by a mere four seconds after a nerve-wracking final stage to Alpe d’Huez. The Polish rider, representing Canyon SRAM, managed to hold onto the yellow jersey despite a fierce challenge from Demi Vollering, who claimed the stage victory but fell just short of overall glory.
The decisive stage began with early breakaway attempts, including a move from the polka-dot jersey holder, Justine Ghekiere, on the Col de Tamié. As the race progressed to the Col du Glandon, the peloton began to splinter under the pressure of the steep climb. Vollering, who needed to make up 1 minute and 15 seconds on Niewiadoma to reclaim the yellow jersey, launched a powerful attack 2 kilometres from the summit. Pauliena Rooijakkers was the only rider able to follow her, leaving Niewiadoma to chase behind.
Niewiadoma admitted to struggling during the early part of the climb, saying, “I felt terrible on the Glandon, mentally and physically. I lost all my confidence.” However, after a swift descent and some much-needed nourishment, she began to feel her strength return. “It’s strange how things happen. I broke, but in a moment of rest, I felt my power come back,” she reflected.
With Lucinda Brand setting a relentless pace in the valley, Niewiadoma’s group managed to reduce the gap to the leading duo of Vollering and Rooijakkers to just 40 seconds by the time they reached the base of Alpe d’Huez.
An emotional finish
As the race hit the final climb, Vollering and Rooijakkers battled for both the stage and overall victory. The steep slopes of Alpe d’Huez saw Vollering take the upper hand, dropping Rooijakkers in the final kilometre to secure the stage win. However, all eyes were on Niewiadoma as she fought to limit her losses and maintain her slender lead in the general classification.
Niewiadoma described the final moments as agonising, stating, “The last kilometre was insane and so painful. I don’t know what I was really feeling at the finish line.” When she finally crossed the line, she had done just enough to retain the yellow jersey by four seconds, becoming the first Polish rider to win the Tour de France Femmes.
Rooijakkers’ breakthrough
Pauliena Rooijakkers, who finished second on the stage and third overall, was thrilled with her performance. “I’m super happy with the podium,” she told NOS after the stage. “I gave everything I had, but I just couldn’t do more.” The Dutch rider, who has often played a supporting role in past races, emerged as a key contender throughout the week.
Rooijakkers’ sports director, Michel Cornelisse, praised her efforts, noting that the climbs of Col du Glandon and Alpe d’Huez suited her well. “She showed already at the Giro that these climbs are good for her,” he told Cyclingnews. Cornelisse also mentioned that strategic decisions from the team car played a role in Rooijakkers’ success, particularly in the final descent where they advised her not to take turns with Vollering.
Vollering’s near miss
Demi Vollering, who came into the final stage hoping to repeat her victory from last year, was left heartbroken despite taking the stage win. In her post-race comments, she expressed frustration over the tactical situation that unfolded when Rooijakkers stopped working with her. “The problem was that Demi Vollering went full gas in the downhill, and she killed Pauliena,” Cornelisse explained.
Although Vollering’s aggressive descent was meant to build a decisive gap, it ultimately cost her the support she needed to secure a larger time difference. Vollering now has to settle for second overall, missing out on back-to-back Tour victories by the smallest of margins.
Celebrations and reflections
Back in the Canyon SRAM camp, there were emotional scenes as Niewiadoma’s teammates celebrated their collective achievement. The Polish rider was quick to acknowledge their efforts, saying, “A huge thanks to my team, my teammates, our partners and all the fans out there. To take home this yellow jersey and the victory exceeds all expectations.”
As the dust settles on an intense week of racing, Niewiadoma’s triumph by four seconds will go down as one of the most thrilling finishes in the history of the Tour de France Femmes, with all riders and fans left eagerly anticipating what next year’s edition might bring.
2024 Tour de France Femmes Stage 8 result
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2024 Tour de France Femmes GC result
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Main photo credit: ASO-Thomas Maheux
