Nice: Vollering takes yellow jersey in Tour de France Femmes, Niewiadoma-Phinney alleges ‘childish’ tactics
Vollering seizes lead in penultimate stage
Demi Vollering of FDJ United-Suez has taken the overall lead in the Tour de France Femmes, securing the yellow jersey from Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney. Vollering launched a decisive attack in the hills near Nice during the penultimate stage, establishing an eight-second advantage over the 2024 winner with only one stage remaining. This marks Vollering’s fifth stage victory and fifth time wearing the yellow jersey in the Tour Femmes.
The critical move occurred on the final ascent of the Cote de la Ginestière. After a rapid descent, Vollering extended her lead on the stretch leading to the finish line on the Promenade des Anglais in Nice. She crossed the finish line 17 seconds ahead of Niewiadoma-Phinney, with bonuses contributing to her overall lead.
Controversy over alleged blocking incident
Following the stage, Niewiadoma-Phinney expressed frustration, accusing Vollering’s teammate, Célia Gery, of employing “childish” tactics. She claimed that Gery intentionally blocked her against the barriers at the start of the climb, forcing her to stop pedalling. Niewiadoma-Phinney stated that she lost respect for FDJ United-Suez due to this incident, emphasising that competitors should engage in fair play.
Vollering, however, stated she did not witness the incident, noting that it occurred behind her. She suggested that Gery likely did not see Niewiadoma-Phinney and did not act intentionally. Race commissaires reviewed the incident after the stage, but the stage communique did not include any penalty, fine, or warning for Gery.
Canyon-SRAM sports director Rolf Aldag suggested that if Niewiadoma-Phinney had been able to follow Vollering’s wheel without obstruction, the outcome of the stage and the general classification might have been different. He noted that closing the gap to Vollering, described as one of the best, required a significant effort, potentially impacting Niewiadoma-Phinney’s freshness for the climb.
Final stage showdown in Nice
With only an eight-second difference separating the two riders, the final stage on Sunday is anticipated to be a fierce contest. The concluding stage, also based around Nice, will feature four ascents of the Col d’Eze. Niewiadoma-Phinney and her team plan to formulate a strategy to try and reclaim the yellow jersey.
The rivalry between Vollering and Niewiadoma-Phinney dates back to the 2024 Tour, where Vollering lost to Niewiadoma-Phinney by a narrow margin of four seconds. This previous encounter, which concluded with an epic duel to Alpe d’Huez, was noted as the closest margin of defeat in the history of any Tour de France.
Ferrand-Prévot withdraws from race
In other news from the race, French favourite Pauline Ferrand-Prévot’s title defence concluded prematurely. Her performance had been notably different from the previous year, with significant time losses on Mont Brouilly and Mont Ventoux, and a less impactful showing in the stage four time trial.
Ferrand-Prévot withdrew from the race before stage eight in Sisteron. French TV crews reported her telling team staff, “I can’t do it, I can’t do it.” An announcement on social media confirmed her withdrawal, stating she was “not feeling well” and that the decision was made in consultation with medical staff.
Her trainer, Rutger Tijssen, acknowledged signs of vulnerability as early as stage three. He noted that by stage five, it became clear that winning the Tour was not a realistic goal for her.
The final stage of the Tour de France Femmes will take place on Sunday.
Source: theguardian.com
Nathan Crowley is the Sports News Writer at NewsUK, covering rugby union, golf and boxing with six years of reporting experience. He moved from regional newspapers into digital sport. He holds a degree in Journalism from Cardiff University and completed an NCTJ diploma. Based in Cardiff, he plays amateur rugby and follows the Six Nations closely. “Speed and accuracy are not a trade-off in sport news.”
