Katarzyna Niewiadoma gets first road win since 2019 with thunderous ascent of the Mur de Huy at La Fleche Wallonne Femmes 2024

Katarzyna Niewiadoma has triumphed in style at La Fleche Wallonne Femmes 2024, edging out Demi Vollering and Elisa Longo Borghini in a brutal final ascent of the Mur de Huy.

With the weather slightly better than the horrific conditions the men had to deal with, as the race hit the Mur de Huy for the first time with just over 30km still to go, a leading duo of Sara Martin and Julie Van de Velde held the front of the race, around 3 minutes clear of the peloton although a few attackers were still in between.

The ever-increasing pace of the peloton meant that despite the leaders' brave efforts, it wasn't to be for them today, with a four-woman counter-attack including Elisa Longo Borghini, Lotte Kopecky, Elise Chabbey and Pauliena Rooijakkers managing to get a small gap. When that move was dragged back, a momentary lull allowed Riejanne Markus to make the next move and ride clear solo.

As the final Mur de Huy began, Markus was still narrowly out ahead. Once the true climbing started however, the Team Visma | Lease a Bike star was soon caught by Demi Vollering. Setting a brutal pace, fewer and fewer riders were able to stay in contact behind the Dutch National Champion.

Heading into the final few hundred metres of the staggering steep climb, Vollering, Elisa Longo Borghini and Katarzyna Niewiadoma were in a fight for the podium. Niewiadoma attacked first and managed to just hold on for a thunderous victory ahead of Vollering in second and Longo Borghini in third.