Poland, 22 Aug (V7N)- Poland's Katarzyna Niewiadoma achieved a historic victory at the Tour de France Femmes, overcoming intense physical pain to secure her win in a dramatic final stage. Despite the pressure from defending champion Demi Vollering, who started the last day just one minute and 15 seconds behind her, Niewiadoma managed to hold onto the yellow jersey by the slimmest of margins.

The race's final day was one of the most thrilling in cycling history. Vollering, who was considered the biggest threat, launched her attack on the penultimate climb, putting Niewiadoma in a tough spot. At the top of Col du Glandon, Niewiadoma doubted her chances, feeling both physically and mentally drained. However, she found the strength to continue by eating and regaining energy on the descent.

Despite her renewed energy, Niewiadoma's struggle was far from over. The last three kilometers were described by her as the most painful experience she had ever endured on a bike. Yet, she managed to stay on course, pushing her body to the limit. Vollering won the stage, gaining an extra 10 seconds, but Niewiadoma’s fourth-place finish was enough to secure the overall victory by just four seconds.

Reflecting on her win, Niewiadoma recalled how her only thought after crossing the finish line was to find a place to lay down, exhausted from the grueling race. The realization that she had won the Tour de France only hit her after hearing the celebratory screams of her team.

Niewiadoma’s victory is even more remarkable considering she finished third in the previous two Tours. The race concluded on the iconic Alpe d'Huez, a challenging and symbolic finish that drew significant attention. While she admitted dreaming of an easier conclusion in Paris, the intense battle on the final climb made the victory all the more special.

However, the disparity in financial rewards between male and female cyclists remains a point of contention. Niewiadoma earned 50,000 euros for her win, while Tadej Pogačar, the men's Tour winner, received ten times that amount. Niewiadoma, however, remains hopeful that change is coming. She envisions a future where gender equality in sports is the norm, with equal rewards for equal effort and suffering.

Her name, which translates to "unknown" in Polish, will no longer be just that. Katarzyna Niewiadoma's remarkable triumph has etched her name into the history of the Tour de France, ensuring she will be remembered for years to come.