Vollering edges out Niewiadoma by one minute and 18 seconds in thrilling final stage
Demi Vollering claimed her second Tour de France Femmes title with a decisive victory over Kasia Niewiadoma in the final stage from Sisteron to Nice. The Dutch rider beat the Polish champion by one minute and 18 seconds, winning on the Col d’Èze where she was able to break clear of Niewiadoma.
However, the race’s dramatic conclusion was overshadowed by a bitter debate between Vollering and Niewiadoma over the tactics employed at the crucial climb. Niewiadoma accused FDJ United-Suez teammate Célia Gery of blocking her path as she tried to follow the Dutch rider up the final ascent.
Niewiadoma claimed: “For the credibility of our sport, I prefer she apologizes.” Vollering's manager, Stephen Delcourt, demanded a public apology. The situation intensified when Lars Boom, Vollering’s sports director, said that Gery was being