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Vollering Wins Stage 8, Claims Yellow Jersey Amid Block Controversy

8/9/2026

Summary

Vollering Takes Yellow

Demi Vollering (Netherlands) won stage 8 in Nice and took the yellow jersey from Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney (Poland).
Niewiadoma-Phinney (Poland) claimed Célia Gery (France) blocked her on the climb, with video showing Gery cutting across a corner and forcing a brake.
The jury issued no penalty for Gery’s actions.
FDJ United-SUEZ director Lars Boom said Gery was only following Vollering, while Canyon-SRAM’s Rolf Aldg noted unfair move would be reviewed by VAR.

Summary

Niewiadoma Claims Yellow

Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney took the yellow jersey, 15 seconds ahead of Demi Vollering and 39 seconds over Reusser.
Organizers kept the full Ventoux stage and limited spectators after wildfires suggested a shortened route.
Anna van der Breggen withdrew before the summit, citing a difficult week and loss of form.
The women's Tour debuted on Mont Ventoux with a 15.7 km, 8.8 % climb in 34 °C heat.

History

Historical Context

In 2013, the inaugural La Course by Le Tour de France launched in Paris, marking the first UCI-sanctioned women’s race on a Tour de France weekend. Organized by Amaury Sport Organization, the 97-kilometre circuit drew 120,000 television viewers and a €10,000 prize pool, yet featured only three female officials. Similarly, the 2024 Nice stage where Célia Gery blocked Demi Vollering sparked controversy, echoing 2013 safety debates and prompting calls for a VAR-style review. That earlier uproar forced ASO to create a permanent women’s race committee, shaping today’s extended Ventoux climb and tighter race-control oversight.

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Vollering Takes Yellow

Demi Vollering (Netherlands) won stage 8 in Nice and took the yellow jersey from Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney (Poland).
Niewiadoma-Phinney (Poland) claimed Célia Gery (France) blocked her on the climb, with video showing Gery cutting across a corner and forcing a brake.
The jury issued no penalty for Gery’s actions.
FDJ United-SUEZ director Lars Boom said Gery was only following Vollering, while Canyon-SRAM’s Rolf Aldg noted unfair move would be reviewed by VAR.

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