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Kasia Niewiadoma in the yellow jersey on the Alpe d'Huez on stage 8 of the 2024 Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift.

TdFF stage 8 report: Vollering battles to win on Alpe d’Huez, but Niewiadoma defends yellow by seconds

The Alpe d'Huez provided a spectacular stage for the finale of the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift, as the GC battle reached boiling point.

Kasia Niewiadoma (Canyon-SRAM) on her way to overall victory on the Alpe d’Huez during stage 8 of the 2024 Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift. Photo: © Cor Vos

Kit Nicholson
by Kit Nicholson 18.08.2024 Photography by
Cor Vos
More from Kit +

It was an absolute thriller of a finale for the third edition of the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift as the expected duel for yellow between Demi Vollering and Kasia Niewiadoma came down to seconds on the Alpe d’Huez.

Vollering went on the attack on the hors-catégorie Col du Glandon 55 km from the finish, and only Pauliena Rooijakkers (Alpecin-Deceuninck) was able to follow, setting off sirens in the Canyon-SRAM camp. The Dutch duo stayed away to the finish and at one point held the virtual race lead, but Niewiadoma put in the ride of her life to defend the yellow jersey on the descent, the valley road, and the iconic Alpe d’Huez to take a historic overall victory by just four seconds.

Justine Ghekiere resplendent in red and white polka dots during stage 8 of the 2024 Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift.
A special bike for a special rider.
54 kilometres to go!
Rooijakkers slots in.
Some spectacular teamwork from SD Worx at the top of the Col du Glandon.
Kerbaol on rails on the fast descent, giving herself a chance to breathe when the road next lifted upward.
A high-stakes game of chicken between Rooijakkers and Vollering.

Stage 8 top 10:

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Final GC top 10:

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Quote of the day

It was a big fight against myself on Alpe d’Huez.”

Vollering said after the podium ceremonies, speaking through emotions.

This stage was a rollercoaster. I lost my confidence when I wasn’t able to follow Vollering on the Glandon. I was very bad at that moment, mentally and physically. I’ve eaten everything I had in my pockets and said: I’m ready again!”

Niewiadoma said after stage 8.

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