Demi Vollering triumphed on the Col d’Èze to secure her second Tour de France Femmes title, finishing ahead of Kasia Niewiadoma by one minute and 18 seconds. The climactic battle unfolded on the Chemin du Vinaigrier, where Vollering's decisive move came just 600 metres from the summit, solidifying her win.

The backdrop to this victory was a heated dispute between the two riders regarding alleged "dirty" tactics during a crucial stage from Sisteron to Nice. Their rivalry traces back to the 2024 race, when Vollering crashed while leading and Niewiadoma went on to win by a mere four seconds.

In her post-race comments, Vollering expressed disappointment over Niewiadoma's comments regarding her teammates, stating:

• “I find it sad that we attack each other like this after the finish line.”

Niewiadoma confronted Vollering's teammate, Célia Gery, accusing her of obstructing her path during the race. The tension escalated as Vollering's manager, Stephen Delcourt, demanded an apology from Niewiadoma, emphasizing the need for fair play in the sport.

During the race, the two riders were seen discussing their issues, with Vollering gesturing towards Niewiadoma. Niewiadoma defended herself, claiming:

• “I know what’s right and what’s not. I just want to race fairly against her.”

The day was also challenging for Marlen Reusser, who fell while descending the Col d’Èze and finished 14th overall after starting the day third. Despite the controversies, Niewiadoma reflected on her performance, stating it only motivates her to strive for better results in the future.

Vollering's victory serves as a redemption arc, showcasing her determination to win the Tour de France Femmes with integrity. She emphasized that their success was built on teamwork and deserved recognition, saying:

• “I wanted to make it clear that we, as a team, deserved to win a beautiful Tour de France Femmes with humility and pride.”