Polish cyclist Katarzyna Niewiadoma has won her first Tour de France Femmes title, defeating reigning champion Demi Vollering to win by four seconds.

Niewiadoma stood atop the podium alongside Pauliena Rooijakkers in second and Evita Muzic in third.

The Polish cyclist broke down in tears after she crossed the line at Alpe d’Huez in fourth place, one minute and one second behind the stage winner Vollering.

Vollering began the day in eighth but raced through the competition on a late push from Le Grand-Bornand all the way to the finish line. Four seconds denied her what would’ve been a comeback for the ages after a crash in stage five. She made her move on Niewiadoma and looked certain for victory until she wavered three kilometers from the end, allowing the Pole to make up enough time to seal the yellow jersey.

Post race Niewiadoma acknowledged the struggles she went through to win.

“I went through such a terrible time on this climb, so to arrive at the finish line to learn that I’ve won the Tour de France is insane, it’s mind-blowing,” she said.

“Throughout my whole career there were so many times I missed out on victories. I feel like this week was perfect for me and my team. To be able to win big races, you need everything on your side.”

Katarzyna Niewiadoma, Women’s Tour 2022 by Marc is available HERE and is used under a Creative Commons License. This image has not been modified.