'I didn't forget' - Niewiadoma stands by Gery criticism as Vollering recalls 2024 Tour Femmes incident

Kasia Niewiadoma has stood by her criticism of Célia Gery ahead of the final stage of the Tour de France Femmes, while Demi Vollering has hit back by questioning her rival’s claims about fair play and recalling an incident from the 2024 edition.

“I acted correctly,” Niewiadoma told media including Sporza before the start of the ninth and final stage. “I’ve been racing for years. I know what is right and what isn't.”

“It’s not as if I’m making things up. I expressed how I felt, and nothing has changed since then.”

Niewiadoma accused Gery of deliberately closing her towards the barriers during Saturday’s decisive finale, forcing her to stop pedalling before Vollering launched the attack that ultimately put her into yellow. 

The Canyon//SRAM rider later confronted Gery at the finish and asked whether the move had been “part of the plan”.

However, Niewiadoma does not want the dispute to overshadow the final battle. “I know that certain things are fueled by the media, who blow them out of proportion,” she said. 

“Demi was incredibly strong. It’s an honour to battle against her. I don’t want to take anything away from her performance. I just want to race fairly against her.”

“People who know me realise I’m not out for revenge. They know I don’t like conflict. If it does happen, it’s because I have reasons for it.”

Vollering, meanwhile, has defended Gery amid the backlash directed at the young French rider, with FDJ United-Suez condemning death threats aimed towards the 20-year-old French champion. 

“We live in a sick world; it’s beyond sad. It makes me incredibly angry,” Vollering said. “She is still so young, and we must protect her with all our might. It is terribly sad.”

The European champion also directly addressed Niewiadoma's comments, stating she was disappointed.

“I was a bit disappointed when I saw her interview because she really attacked my teammate, and I think it’s not so fair to do that, so high in emotions," Vollering told TNT Sports.

Vollering then recalled the 2024 Tour de France Femmes, when she crashed on Stage 5 while wearing the yellow jersey and lost significant time. Niewiadoma went on to win the Tour by four seconds.

"I mean, I didn’t forget about what she [Niewiadoma] did when I was on the ground two years ago. So if she’s speaking about fair play, then I think she is not the one that can really say something about that.”

Vollering starts the final stage with an eight-second advantage over Niewiadoma, and FDJ United-Suez anticipate a fierce contest with four ascents of the Col d’Èze. 

Sports director Lars Boom believes “the rider who handles the heat best and manages to keep cool effectively will win this Tour.”