'I'm curious to see where my body is at, how I recover, and how I get through this long stage race' – Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney targets podium at La Vuelta Femenina

Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney will lead Canyon-SRAM zondacrypto’s squad at the upcoming La Vuelta Femenina, targeting a podium finish in the demanding seven-day stage race. Having competed in the event’s current format three times without reaching the top three, her best result remains 10th place in 2023. This year, she arrives in Spain following a strong spring campaign in the Ardennes Classics, where she secured podium finishes at Amstel Gold Race and Liège-Bastogne-Liège Femmes, signalling good form ahead of the race. Niewiadoma-Phinney emphasises that while her ultimate goal for the season is the Tour de France Femmes Avec Zwift in August, she intends to approach La Vuelta with full commitment. She acknowledges the challenge of shifting focus from one intense racing block to another but believes her winter preparation and recent racing will make the transition smoother. Alongside aiming for a podium overall, she is also keen to claim her first Women’s WorldTour stage win since her 2022 Tour de France Femmes success. The Polish champion will be supported by a strong Canyon-SRAM zondacrypto team, including riders like Wilma Aintila and Cecilie Uttrup Ludwig, as they face a challenging route covering 815 kilometres and 15,000 metres of climbing. The race’s decisive moments are expected during the final weekend, featuring summit finishes at Les Praeres and the notoriously steep Alto de l’Angliru. These stages will test the riders’ endurance and climbing prowess, making the overall classification highly competitive. Reflecting on her current condition, Niewiadoma-Phinney admits to feeling fatigued after recent races but is optimistic about her recovery and ability to endure the demanding week ahead. She expresses curiosity about how her body will respond to the long stage race format, which will be a first major stage race of the season for many in her team. Her measured approach combines ambition with a focus on smart racing and teamwork, aiming to maximise both individual and collective performance. La Vuelta Femenina will feature 18 teams and 126 riders, including notable contenders such as Pauline Ferrand-Prévot and Anna van der Breggen. As the race unfolds from 3 to 9 May, it promises intense competition and dramatic mountain battles, with Niewiadoma-Phinney poised to make a significant impact as she seeks to elevate her standing in one of women’s cycling’s most prestigious stage races.