The 2024 Tour de France Femmes delivered thrilling racing from start to finish, culminating in a dramatic finale atop the legendary Alpe d’Huez. Kasia Niewiadoma (Canyon-SRAM) emerged as the overall winner after a week of fierce competition, holding off a formidable challenge from Demi Vollering (SD Worx-Protime). Here’s a summary of each stage, the final results, and the standout moments of this year’s race.
Stage 1: Charlotte Kool Takes the First Yellow Jersey
The 2024 Tour de France Femmes kicked off with a flat and fast stage in The Hague. Charlotte Kool (DSM-Firmenich PostNL) showcased her sprinting prowess by winning the opening stage and taking the first yellow jersey. A mechanical issue for Lorena Wiebes (SD Worx-Protime) opened the door for Kool, who seized the opportunity with a perfectly-timed sprint. Anniina Ahtosalo (Uno-X Mobility) finished second, and Elisa Balsamo (Lidl-Trek) took third.
Stage 2: Kool Doubles Down in Rotterdam
Charlotte Kool continued her dominance in the sprints, claiming back-to-back victories on the second stage in Rotterdam. She outpaced Lorena Wiebes in a head-to-head sprint, while Marianne Vos (Visma-Lease a Bike) secured third. Kool's consistent performance allowed her to retain the yellow jersey, further establishing her lead.
Stage 3: Demi Vollering Shines in Rotterdam Time Trial
Defending champion Demi Vollering (SD Worx-Protime) delivered a commanding performance in the 6.3km time trial in Rotterdam, winning the stage and taking over the yellow jersey. Vollering's precision earned her a narrow victory over ITT world champion Chloé Dygert (Canyon-SRAM) and FDJ-Suez's Loes Adegeest. This stage win marked the beginning of Vollering’s GC campaign.
Stage 4: Puck Pieterse Stuns in Photo Finish
Stage 4 saw an exhilarating sprint finish in Liège, where Puck Pieterse (Fenix-Deceuninck) edged out Demi Vollering by the narrowest of margins to claim her first WorldTour victory. The trio of Pieterse, Vollering, and Niewiadoma escaped the peloton on the Côte de la Roche-aux-Faucons climb, but it was Pieterse’s late surge that secured the win. Vollering retained the yellow jersey, with Pieterse moving closer in the overall standings.
Stage 5: Blanka Vas Triumphs as Vollering Crashes
Drama unfolded on stage 5 as Blanka Vas (SD Worx-Protime) took victory in a chaotic finish. While Vas outsprinted Niewiadoma and Liane Lippert (Movistar), her teammate Vollering suffered a crash within the final 10km, losing significant time and the yellow jersey. Niewiadoma capitalized on the situation, taking over the overall lead with a slender margin.
Stage 6: Cédrine Kerbaol’s Solo Victory
French rider Cédrine Kerbaol (Ceratizit-WNT) became the first home stage winner, delivering a daring solo victory on the descent into Morteau. Marianne Vos secured second place in the sprint finish, while Kasia Niewiadoma maintained her lead in the yellow jersey. Kerbaol’s win was a standout moment for the home crowd, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the Tour.
Stage 7: Justine Ghekiere’s Long-Range Attack
Justine Ghekiere (AG Insurance-Soudal) launched a decisive attack on the Col de Saint-Jean-de-Sixt, breaking away from her companions with 13.5km to go and soloing to victory in Le Grand-Bornand. Kasia Niewiadoma finished fourth, successfully defending her yellow jersey against Demi Vollering and others, setting the stage for a nail-biting finale.
Stage 8: Demi Vollering Conquers Alpe d’Huez, Niewiadoma Wins GC Title
The final stage to Alpe d’Huez was a battle for the ages. Demi Vollering launched a long-range attack on the penultimate climb, briefly becoming the virtual leader. However, Niewiadoma demonstrated remarkable resilience, narrowing the gap to secure the overall victory by just four seconds. Vollering won the stage, followed by Pauliena Rooijakkers (Fenix-Deceuninck) and Évita Muzic (FDJ-Suez). Niewiadoma’s grit and determination throughout the race culminated in her claiming the prestigious yellow jersey.
Final General Classification
Kasia Niewiadoma (Canyon-SRAM) - Overall Winner
Demi Vollering (SD Worx-Protime) - 4 seconds behind
Pauliena Rooijakkers (Fenix-Deceuninck) - 10 seconds behind
Standout Moments
Kasia Niewiadoma’s Resilience: Despite facing multiple attacks, Niewiadoma’s determination and tactical acumen earned her the yellow jersey and the overall victory.
Demi Vollering’s Stage Wins: Vollering’s triumphs in both the time trial and the final mountain stage showcased her strength, even though she fell just short in the GC.
Blanka Vas’s Stage 5 Win: Vas’s ability to capitalize on the chaos after Vollering’s crash was a key moment in the race.
The 2024 Tour de France Femmes was a testament to the unpredictable and thrilling nature of women’s cycling, with standout performances and intense competition from start to finish.
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