It’s been seven long years since Kasia Niewiadoma (Canyon-SRAM) last clinched an overall title in a major stage race. However, as the Tour de France Femmes draws to a close atop the iconic Alpe d’Huez on Sunday, Niewiadoma is mentally and physically prepared to bring home the yellow jersey, marking the pinnacle of her illustrious career.
A Storied Career: Niewiadoma’s Consistent Pursuit of Excellence
Niewiadoma has long been a force in women’s cycling, with notable overall victories at the OVO Energy Women’s Tour and Emakumeen Bira. Her consistent podium finishes at the Giro d’Italia and the inaugural Tour de France Femmes solidified her reputation as a relentless competitor, even as victories have been few and far between in recent years.
However, the tides have recently turned for the Polish rider. She claimed the UCI Gravel World Championship last autumn and followed it up with a victory at La Flèche Wallonne this spring—her first road race win since the Amstel Gold Race five years ago. These victories have reignited her career and bolstered her confidence as she faces the final challenge at the Tour de France Femmes.
“Mentally, it’s been so long since La Flèche Wallonne that winning the Tour de France Femmes would be the crowning achievement of my career,” Niewiadoma shared with the international press after Stage 6.
| Race Wins | Years | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| OVO Energy Women’s Tour | 2017 | First major stage race overall title |
| Emakumeen Bira | 2017 | Consolidated her status as a top stage racer |
| UCI Gravel World Championships | 2023 | Victory in a different discipline, showcasing versatility |
| La Flèche Wallonne | 2024 | First road race win in five years, boosting confidence |
The Final Challenge: Conquering Alpe d’Huez
The eighth and final stage of the Tour de France Femmes covers 149.9km, beginning in Le Grand-Bornand and culminating at the legendary Alpe d’Huez. The route features three major climbs: Col de Tamié (9.5km at 4%), Col du Glandon (19.7km at 7.2%), and finally, Alpe d’Huez (13.8km at 8.1%). This stage will determine the overall champion.
Niewiadoma currently leads the General Classification (GC) by 27 seconds over Puck Pieterse (Fenix-Deceuninck) and 37 seconds over Stage 6 winner Cédrine Kerbaol (Ceratizit-WNT). Defending champion Demi Vollering (SD Worx-Protime) is in eighth place, 1:15 behind Niewiadoma, after being involved in a mass crash during Stage 5.
“There are so many scenarios that can unfold, but managing energy and pacing on the Alpe d’Huez will be crucial,” Niewiadoma explained.
| Stage 8 Key Climbs | Distance | Gradient | Key Factors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Col de Tamié | 9.5 km | 4% | Early test, likely to see a breakaway |
| Col du Glandon | 19.7 km | 7.2% | Long, grueling climb, setting up the final showdown |
| Alpe d’Huez | 13.8 km | 8.1% | Final climb, where the overall title will be decided |
Tactical Mastery: Niewiadoma’s Strategic Play on the Climbs
Stage 7 saw a cautious battle for the GC, with Justine Ghekiere (AG Insurance-Soudal) winning from the breakaway and Maëva Squiban (Arkéa-B&B Hotels) taking second. Behind them, on the final ascent to Le Grand-Bornand, a stalemate played out among the GC contenders. Vollering managed to finish third, picking up valuable bonus seconds, while Niewiadoma finished fourth.
“I wasn’t surprised by the lack of major attacks. The field is full of talented riders, and it’s not just about SD Worx anymore. Many teams are capable of winning,” Niewiadoma observed.
FDJ-SUEZ set the pace early on, supporting their leader Évita Muzic, but Niewiadoma launched a late attack that forced Vollering to react, testing the strength of her rivals. Despite being isolated on the final climb, Niewiadoma remained composed, relying on her instincts and assessing her competitors.
| GC Battle – Stage 7 | Position | Time Back | Key Moves |
|---|---|---|---|
| Justine Ghekiere | 1st | – | Breakaway win, no GC impact |
| Maëva Squiban | 2nd | +00:35 | Strong finish, but no threat to GC leaders |
| Demi Vollering | 3rd | +00:40 | Picked up bonus seconds, remains outside top 5 |
| Kasia Niewiadoma | 4th | +00:40 | Controlled the pace, assessed rivals, retained yellow jersey |
The Final Push: Who Can Challenge Niewiadoma?
As Niewiadoma prepares for the final stage, a handful of powerful climbers remain within striking distance. In addition to Vollering, riders like Juliette Labous (dsm-firmenich PostNL), Pauliena Rooijakkers (Fenix-Deceuninck), Évita Muzic (FDJ-SUEZ), and Gaia Realini (Lidl-Trek) could pose a threat on the Alpe d’Huez.
“Next year, with riders like Anna van der Breggen and Pauline Ferrand-Prévot returning, and young talents like Neve Bradbury emerging, the competition will be even fiercer,” Niewiadoma noted. “But for now, I’m focused on finishing this year’s race strong.”
| Top Contenders – Final Stage | Current Position | Time Back | Strength |
|---|---|---|---|
| Puck Pieterse | 2nd | +00:27 | Strong climber, could challenge on final ascent |
| Cédrine Kerbaol | 3rd | +00:37 | In good form, won Stage 6 |
| Demi Vollering | 8th | +01:15 | Defending champion, could attempt a late surge |
| Juliette Labous | 9th | +01:30 | Consistent performer, strong on long climbs |
Niewiadoma stands on the brink of her greatest achievement, ready to etch her name in the history of the Tour de France Femmes. As the peloton ascends Alpe d’Huez, the cycling world watches to see if she can secure the yellow jersey and finally break her seven-year title drought.
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