Niewiadoma Accuses FDJ Of Blocking Her During The Decisive Attack

The battle for the 2026 Tour de France Femmes has gained an extra layer of tension after Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney accused FDJ United-SUEZ rider Célia Gery of deliberately obstructing her when Demi Vollering launched the attack that decided stage eight in Nice.

According to Niewiadoma, Gery moved her towards the kerb at the beginning of the Côte de la Ginestière and forced her to unclip, leaving her badly positioned as Vollering accelerated. The Polish rider eventually crossed the finish line 17 seconds behind the stage winner and lost the yellow jersey by eight seconds after the time bonuses were included.

The incident has generated contrasting interpretations, and no deliberate obstruction has been officially established by the race commissaires. Some footage shows Niewiadoma losing space near the roadside, but it does not provide an undisputed answer about Gery's intention. The accusation therefore remains Niewiadoma's version of a decisive racing incident, rather than a confirmed infringement.