'I wish I didn't have the crash but I'm optimistic' – Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney back in contention at Ardennes Classics after Milan-San Remo fall

Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney is poised to make a strong return to the Ardennes Classics this season, despite a significant crash at Milan-San Remo nearly a month ago. The former winner of both the Amstel Gold Race and La Flèche Wallonne is leading the Canyon-SRAM-Zondacrypto team as she targets the coveted Liège-Bastogne-Liège title to complete the Ardennes triple. Her campaign begins with the Amstel Gold Race, where she aims to build momentum ahead of the other two races in the series. The Polish road champion revealed that her recovery from the crash has been challenging, involving extensive physiotherapy and careful management to avoid further injury. Although the incident disrupted her training, Niewiadoma-Phinney remains optimistic about her condition and readiness to compete. She emphasised the importance of patience and resilience during her rehabilitation, noting that while the crash was an unwelcome setback, she is confident in her ability to perform well in the upcoming races. Niewiadoma-Phinney’s palmarès in the Ardennes Classics is impressive, with a memorable solo victory at the 2019 Amstel Gold Race and a recent win at La Flèche Wallonne in 2024. However, Liège-Bastogne-Liège has so far eluded her, with her best finish being third place in 2017. She expressed a strong desire to claim this title, highlighting the significance of completing the Ardennes triple as a personal milestone and a testament to her versatility and strength as a rider. Supporting her campaign is a robust Canyon-SRAM squad, including riders such as Cecilie Uttrup Ludwig and Soraya Paladin, who will provide crucial assistance throughout the three races. Niewiadoma-Phinney acknowledged the formidable competition she faces, particularly from dominant teams, but remains hopeful that strategic racing and a bit of luck could tip the balance in her favour. She cited Annemiek van Vleuten as an example of a rider who has successfully shaped races to her advantage, aiming to emulate that confidence and tactical acumen. Looking ahead, Niewiadoma-Phinney’s focus is firmly on Liège-Bastogne-Liège, which takes place on 26 April, but she values all three Ardennes Classics equally for their unique challenges and prestige. Her determination to overcome recent adversity and contend for victory underscores her status as one of the leading figures in women’s cycling this spring. The coming weeks will be crucial in assessing her form and potential to add another major title to her already impressive career.