Kasia Niewiadoma produced a spectacular solo performance on the legendary Mont Ventoux to snatch overall victory at the Tour de France Femmes, winning the final stage and the yellow jersey in one unforgettable afternoon.
Decisive Attack on the Giant of Provence
The Polish rider, who started the day 1 minute and 30 seconds behind race leader Demi Vollering, launched a long-range attack on the lower slopes of the feared climb. She steadily increased her advantage as the road pitched upward, passing several riders who had gone out early.
At the summit, Niewiadoma crossed the line with a lead of more than two minutes over the chasing group, which included Vollering. The time gain was enough to flip the general classification, handing Niewiadoma a maiden Tour de France Femmes title by a margin of 42 seconds.
Emotional Victory and Reactions
After the finish, an emotional Niewiadoma dedicated her win to her team and family, saying: "I cannot believe it. I gave everything on this climb. It is a dream come true."
Vollering, who had worn the yellow jersey since stage 4, slipped to second overall, while third place went to Dutch rider Annemiek van Vleuten, who finished 1 minute and 12 seconds behind Niewiadoma in the final standings.
Historic Stage and Final Standings
The stage, which covered 128 kilometres from Avignon to the summit of Mont Ventoux, was the first time the women's Tour had finished on the iconic climb. Niewiadoma's winning margin of 42 seconds is the smallest in the history of the event, which was first held in 2022.
With this victory, Niewiadoma becomes the first Polish rider to win the Tour de France Femmes, and the first woman to conquer Mont Ventoux in a yellow jersey stage since the reintroduction of the race.
