Kasia Niewiadoma wins TdF Femmes by four seconds
The majestic Col du Glandon and Alpe D’Huez climbs set the scene for a nail-biting final 70km’s of the Tour de France Femmes as Demi Vollering, Pauliena Rooijakkers and Kasia Niewiadoma battled for the GC.
Earlier in the week, defending champion Vollering lost over a minute in a bunch crash which had her chasing GC time and on the offense rolling into Sunday’s Queen Stage. With about 53km to go, Vollering attacked, taking Rooijakkers with her, however Niewiadoma could not match the pace and dropped more than a minute back.
Through the valley and onto Alpe D’Huez it was Vollering doing most of the work in the break, with Rooijakkers looking fresh but sitting in. On the final climb, Niewiadoma drove the chase group as the virtual GC continued to yoyo.
Into the final kilometers and Rooijakkers goes to the front, putting Vollering onto the limit. Seeking the maximum time bonus, Vollering then put in one final effort into the last corner and up the final stretch, which ensured she won the stage from Rooijakkers. With the clock ticking, all eyes were on Niewiadoma who crossed the line to win the yellow jersey, by just four seconds.
Riding injured, the defending champion Vollering won one of the hardest stages that women’s cycling has seen and rode a very good Tour de France. //
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