Video of Niewiadoma and Gery Fuels Tour de France Femmes Ethics Debate
Outside Magazine • • sports
Key Points:
- On stage 8 of the Tour de France Femmes, Kasia Niewiadoma accused Célia Gery of deliberately blocking her into the barriers during a crucial corner, which prevented Niewiadoma from following a key attack by Demi Vollering’s teammate.
- Gery and FDJ-United Suez manager Lars Boom denied any wrongdoing, stating that Gery was following standard racing tactics, and the UCI jury found no illegal behavior in the incident.
- The controversial moment occurred in a broadcasting blind spot, with fan footage later revealing Gery pushed Niewiadoma close to the gutter, causing Niewiadoma to briefly lose speed, but intent remains unclear.
- Former pro Taylor Phinney criticized Gery’s move as “dirty riding” and reminiscent of junior-level tactics, highlighting ongoing debates about the ethics and grey areas in professional cycling strategy.
- No further official statements or sanctions have been issued, leaving the incident and its fairness a subject of ongoing discussion within the cycling community.
