Katarzyna Niewiadoma-Phinney

Katarzyna "Kasia" Niewiadoma is one of the most consistent and attacking climbers in women’s cycling. After years of near-misses, she reached the highest step of the podium in 2024 by winning the Tour de France Femmes. Known for her uphill accelerations and fearless racing style, Niewiadoma has been a fixture in the top 5 of the world’s biggest races for over a decade, combining flair with endurance and determination.

Born in 1994 in Limanowa, Poland, Niewiadoma began cycling as a teenager and quickly excelled on the climbs near her hometown. She joined the Rabobank–Liv team in 2013, learning from icons like Marianne Vos. Her breakthrough came in 2015 with top results in the Giro Rosa and the Ardennes Classics.

Niewiadoma claimed her first major stage race title at the Women’s Tour of Britain in 2017. That same year, she stood on the podium in all three Ardennes Classics. In 2018, she won Trofeo Alfredo Binda and in 2019 added Amstel Gold Race to her palmarès. These results confirmed her as one of the best climbers in the world.

Her biggest victory came in 2024 when she won the Tour de France Femmes, holding off Demi Vollering by just four seconds – the closest margin in Tour history. Earlier that year she also won La Flèche Wallonne after many prior podiums. She has stood on the podium at the Giro Rosa and World Championships and has worn yellow, polka dot and white jerseys in Grand Tours.

Niewiadoma is a punchy climber with a relentless attacking style, thriving on short, steep ascents and technical descents. Her consistency and strong recovery make her a rider who rarely falters, often choosing to race aggressively when others hold back. In recent years, she has improved her time trialling, strengthening her ability to defend GC positions. Her versatility is further underlined by victories on gravel and in mountain bike races, proving her talent across disciplines.

Niewiadoma spent years chasing legends like Van der Breggen and Van Vleuten but emerged as a leader in her own right. Her battles with Vollering, Kopecky and Longo Borghini have been highlights of recent seasons.

Kasia splits her time between Spain and Colorado, and married former pro Taylor Phinney in 2024. Known for her artistic spirit, love of nature, and connection to fans, she is a popular figure in the peloton. 

• First Polish woman to win the Tour de France Femmes (2024)
• Narrowest winning margin in Tour history (4 seconds)
• First Polish woman to podium at World Championships (road)
• Podiums in all three editions of Tour de France Femmes (2022–2024)
• World medals across three disciplines: road, gravel and MTB