Katarzyna Niewiadoma successfully defended her lead in the Tour de France after a challenging seventh stage, finishing fourth in Le Grand-Bornand. The Polish rider from Canyon-SRAM maintained her position in the general classification, slightly increasing her advantage over her closest rivals. Belgian rider Justine Ghekiere won the stage with a powerful solo finish, leaving her breakaway companions behind.
Ghekiere Shines, Vollering Closes In
Ghekiere, representing AG Insurance-Soudal Team, secured the victory after a long breakaway, finishing ahead of French rider Maeva Squiban by 1 minute and 15 seconds. Last year’s Tour de France winner, Dutch rider Demi Vollering, crossed the line eight seconds later, earning a four-second time bonus. Niewiadoma, finishing alongside Vollering, effectively controlled the race to safeguard her lead.
Other Polish cyclists, Karolina Kumięga and Agnieszka Skalniak-Sójka, finished with significant time losses, while Marta Lach and Daria Pikulik withdrew earlier in the race. Despite these setbacks, Niewiadoma’s consistent performance has placed her in a strong position ahead of the final, grueling stage.
Showdown at Alpe d’Huez Looms
Niewiadoma now leads by 27 seconds over Dutch rider Puck Pieterse and by 37 seconds over French rider Cedrine Kerbaol. The final stage, featuring the infamous Alpe d’Huez climb, promises an intense battle as the Polish rider seeks to secure her overall victory.