English Controversial

'Kasia knows deep in her heart that that kind of thing just happens'

A cycling rivalry escalates as one rider accuses another of unfair play after losing the lead.

2026-08-09 · 3 sources

Summary

Following Stage 8 of the Tour de France Femmes, Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney accused Demi Vollering's teammate Célia Gery of a lack of 'fair play', which resulted in Niewiadoma-Phinney losing the yellow jersey. Vollering defended Gery, stating that she was sure Gery did not act intentionally. Niewiadoma-Phinney expressed that she had lost all respect for them. Despite this controversy, Vollering and her team FDJ United-SUEZ expressed satisfaction with their position heading into the Mont Ventoux stage, noting that Célia Gery had previously achieved a fifth-place finish on stage 6.

Why it's important

This incident highlights a conflict between riders in a major cycling event, affecting the standings and team dynamics. The accusations of unfair play and the subsequent defense by a rival rider create a point of contention within the race.

Key Points

Accusations of unfair play
Loss of yellow jersey
Team defense and rider's certainty of no intent

Key Narratives

Based on positions and claims visible in the cited sources. Missing viewpoints are not inferred as full national or institutional perspectives.

Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney

She accused Célia Gery of lacking fair play and stated she lost all respect for them.

Demi Vollering

She defended her teammate Célia Gery, stating she believes Gery did not act intentionally.

Involved Entities

Demi Vollering, Célia Gery, Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney, FDJ United-SUEZ, Canyon-SRAM

Sources (3)