Poland’s Katarzyna Niewiadoma-Phinney claimed a decisive victory on the summit of Mont Ventoux during Stage 7 of the Tour de France Femmes on August 7, catapulting her into the race lead for the first time in the 2024 edition. The 146.8-kilometer stage from La Voulte-sur-Rhone concluded with the iconic climb, featured in the women's race for the first time, where Niewiadoma-Phinney launched a solo attack more than nine kilometers from the finish to leave her rivals behind.
Starting the day in third place overall and more than a minute behind the leader, Niewiadoma-Phinney steadily gained time on her main challengers in the final ascent. She crossed the line with a commanding lead, triggering an emotional response as she secured her first stage win in the Tour de France Femmes and donned the prestigious yellow jersey, which she last wore during her 2022 victory.
Dutch rider Demi Vollering, last year's overall winner, finished second on the stage, maintaining pressure on the new leader with a 15-second deficit in the general classification. Italy’s Elisa Longo Borghini completed the podium in third place. Switzerland’s Marlen Reusser, who started the day as the race leader, slipped to fourth on the stage and now trails Niewiadoma-Phinney by 39 seconds.
The final climb reduced the peloton to approximately 40 riders, including the top 10 overall contenders. Vollering initiated the attacks less than 11 kilometers from the summit, establishing a leading group with Reusser and Niewiadoma-Phinney. However, in the decisive moments, the Polish rider surged ahead as her rivals appeared to hesitate, extending her advantage despite the gruelling conditions.
Vollering later dropped Reusser from the chasing group, while Borghini overtook Reusser before the finish. Meanwhile, Niewiadoma-Phinney held a strong pace to secure the stage win and the yellow jersey.
Reflecting on her victory, Niewiadoma-Phinney dedicated the win to those who supported her through a long journey without major race wins. The emotional moment was heightened by the surprise presence of her parents on the climb, inspiring her to redouble her efforts.
The stage sets up a renewed rivalry between Niewiadoma-Phinney and Vollering, both of whom have previously finished on the Tour de France Femmes podium and are now contenders for a potential second career victory in the race.
The penultimate stage on August 8 will cover 171.9 kilometers from Sisteron to Nice. It is expected to favor sprinters due to its relatively flat profile, unlikely to influence the general classification significantly before the decisive final stage on August 9.