Nat Bromhead
Poland’s Katarzyna Niewiadoma has pipped defending champion Demi Vollering to win the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift by just four seconds. Sarah Gigante performed exceptionally well, the pocket rocket Aussie finishing 7th overall in her first appearance at the race.
With the dramatic Stage 8 showdown finishing on the iconic Alpe d’Huez, Vollering won the final stage, but it wasn’t enough to retain her crown. Niewiadoma crossed the finish line in fourth place on Sunday, and broke down in tears as she realised she had managed to retain the yellow jersey.
“I went through a terrible time on this climb,” she said. “To arrive at the line and learn that I’ve won the Tour de France is insane … it’s just mind-blowing,” she said.
After finishing third in the previous two editions of the Tour de France Femmes, Niewiadoma lifted her bike for an emotional celebration as Vollering collapsed to the ground and cried in disappointment.
Sarah Gigante 7th Overall
Sarah Gigante finished a brilliant 7th overall on her first Tour de France Femmes. Supporting teammate Justine Ghekiere who won the Polka Dot jersey, 23yo Sarah proved she is well a truly back as a future GC contender.
“Today was another fantastic day for the team, following yesterday’s stage win to teammate Justine,” she said.
“We worked together brilliantly. The stage started really well with Justine taking the maximum points on the first official climb, Col de Tarmié, while the rest of the girls worked so well together to protect me and position me perfectly for the Col du Glandon,” she added.
“I felt strong on the climbs and really enjoyed the atmosphere at my first Tour de France! I can’t thank my amazing teammates and our incredible staff enough,” Sarah concluded.
