Kasia Niewiadoma achieved a remarkable solo victory atop Mont Ventoux during stage seven of the Tour de France Femmes, marking her first stage win in seven years. This dramatic performance not only secured her a stage win but also the overall lead in the race.

Entering the challenging stage, Niewiadoma was third in the general classification, trailing Marlen Reusser by 1'17” and Demi Vollering by 12 seconds. The stage featured a grueling 3,500m elevation gain over 147km, with four categorized climbs leading to the iconic summit.

With 9km remaining, Niewiadoma surged ahead, leaving Reusser and Vollering behind on the 15.7km hors-categorie climb. She crossed the finish line with a commanding lead of 1'16”, celebrating her victory with her hands raised before nearly stopping in exhaustion.

Vollering managed to secure second place, finishing just 15 seconds behind Niewiadoma, while Elisa Longo Borghini took third, 1'42” back. Reusser fell to third in the general classification, 39 seconds adrift of the new leader.

Post-race, Niewiadoma expressed her joy, dedicating the win to her family and team:

I saw my dad crying and I just said I need to make them proud. This victory goes to my family, my friends, my team, to my husband Taylor, to my coach and to my team managers.

As the race progresses, the next stage from Sisteron to Nice promises more challenges, including four categorized climbs, while the final stage could be pivotal for the overall standings, featuring the formidable Col d’Eze.