Demi Vollering reclaimed the yellow jersey at the Tour de France Femmes after overtaking Kasia Niewiadoma Phinney by eight seconds following the eighth stage, according to race results. The shift in leadership arrived amid a sharp dispute between top contenders over tactical riding, with Niewiadoma Phinney accusing FDJ United – SUEZ rider Célia Gery of unsportsmanlike blocking near the final climb.
Controversy Erupts on the Approach to Nice
The eighth stage from Sisteron to Nice set the stage for a tense battle ahead of the final day, featuring category-four climbs and an unclassified ascent up Camin de l’Arieta six kilometers from the finish line. According to Kasia Niewiadoma Phinney, French champion Célia Gery deliberately impeded her progress as the peloton hit the climb’s lower slopes. Niewiadoma Phinney stated that Gery squeezed her toward the barriers and forced her to stop pedaling.
“At the beginning of the stumping I was really pissed off because Gery purposely blocked me and pushed me toward the barrier,” Niewiadoma Phinney said, according to post-race interviews. “If they want to fight for victories, they should race fair-play and not push me to the barrier. This is childish. They lost all respect from me.”
The incident required Niewiadoma Phinney to chase hard from the base of the climb. While she initially closed the gap, she lacked the reserves to match a subsequent attack by Vollering, who raced toward the finish line and collected a time bonus to overturn her deficit.
Team Responses and Official Standings
Following the stage, Niewiadoma Phinney confronted Gery directly while the French rider spoke with reporters. Gery declined to comment on the incident and retreated to the team bus. FDJ United – SUEZ manager and former professional cyclist Lars Boom defended his rider, stating to media that Gery reported doing nothing wrong and that pushing competitors into barriers does not align with her character.
Taylor Phinney, a former professional cyclist and husband to Niewiadoma Phinney, criticized the move on social media. According to Phinney, the maneuver resembled tactics seen in junior races rather than professional WorldTour competition. Sporza television commentator Ine Beyen noted the unusual frustration shown by Niewiadoma Phinney, describing her as normally composed.
Vollering defended her teammate, noting that riders cannot see everything happening behind them. Officials applied no penalties, leaving the results fully intact heading into the concluding stage.
| Rank | Rider | Team | Time / Gap |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Demi Vollering | FDJ United – SUEZ | 28:10:18 h |
| 2 | Kasia Niewiadoma Phinney | CANYON//SRAM | + 8 s |
| 3 | Marlen Reusser | Movistar | + 1:12 min |
| 4 | Elisa Longo Borghini | UAE Team L’IMAD | + 3:05 min |
Decisive Final Stage Awaits
With only eight seconds separating Vollering and Niewiadoma Phinney, the final stage promises a direct showdown. The route spans under 100 kilometers but features four ascents of the Col d’Eze, measuring 7.8 kilometers with a 5.9 percent average gradient.
“It is hard to lose the yellow jersey, but I told Kasia that it is not over yet,” Canyon//SRAM teammate Antonia Niedermaier said regarding the tactical outlook. “In Sunday’s stage, everything is possible.”
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who leads the Tour de France Femmes after stage eight?
Demi Vollering holds the yellow jersey for FDJ United – SUEZ with an eight-second lead over Kasia Niewiadoma Phinney. - What caused the dispute between riders on stage eight?
Kasia Niewiadoma Phinney accused FDJ United – SUEZ rider Célia Gery of unportmanlike blocking and pushing her toward the barriers near the final climb. - How close is the general classification battle?
The top two riders are separated by just eight seconds heading into the final stage over the Col d’Eze.
Join the Conversation
What is your take on the tactical riding displayed during the eighth stage? Drop a comment below with your predictions for the final climb up the Col d’Eze, and share this report with fellow cycling enthusiasts.