Poland’s Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney is gearing up for the World Championships road race in Kigali after a challenging elite women’s time trial. Although she finished 14th in the time trial, Niewiadoma-Phinney used the opportunity to familiarize herself with the course’s demanding climbs, which have drawn comparisons to the renowned Amstel Gold Race—a race she has previously won. With the road race set for October 7, 2023, she aims to be a strong contender for victory.
Niewiadoma-Phinney, who does not primarily specialize in time trials, expressed optimism about her performance despite the result. “That was definitely one of the goals, to do the time trial to understand my body at this altitude and with those conditions,” she explained. The rider acknowledged the difficulty of racing in the unique climate of Kigali, stating, “If you go too hard, too early, the recovery is close to impossible.”
During the time trial, Niewiadoma-Phinney recognized her tendency to push too hard early on, resulting in exhaustion by the first climb. Despite the challenges, she remained positive about the experience, emphasizing, “Personally, for me, no matter the result, I’m really happy that I pushed myself towards doing that.” She also mentioned her aspirations to improve her time trial abilities in the future.
Course Familiarity and Team Dynamics
Having scouted the key sections of the upcoming road race route, Niewiadoma-Phinney expressed confidence in the course, but also warned that unpredictable conditions could affect race dynamics. “The course definitely suits me, but as I experienced today, these conditions are very special,” she said. She is hopeful that her acclimatization to the altitude will enhance her performance.
As part of a smaller Polish team consisting of only three riders, Niewiadoma-Phinney acknowledges the potential disadvantage compared to teams from other nations, which have larger contingents. “Definitely, a team always helps, especially in the first part of the race,” she noted. Understanding the importance of positioning, she plans to leverage the strengths of her teammates and align herself with stronger riders from Italy and the Netherlands.
The challenge of training in Kigali, with its busy urban environment, adds another layer of complexity for Niewiadoma-Phinney and her fellow competitors. “I had to stay in Kigali just to see the course, and it’s of course full of traffic,” she shared. As she looks ahead to the week before the race, she hopes to find more rural areas for endurance training away from the congested city.
Embracing the Atmosphere
Despite logistical hurdles, Niewiadoma-Phinney has enjoyed her initial experiences in Rwanda, particularly the warm reception from local crowds. “Starting off [the time trial] in the stadium was amazing, and then on the course, a lot of people were screaming my name,” she reflected. She appreciated the support, noting that even if her name is not easy to pronounce, the enthusiasm from spectators made a significant impact.
As the countdown to the World Championships continues, Niewiadoma-Phinney remains focused on her preparation and the possibility of a strong performance in the road race. With the backing of devoted fans and the opportunity to compete at a prestigious event, she is ready to tackle the challenges that lie ahead.
Cycling enthusiasts can follow Niewiadoma-Phinney’s journey and the unfolding drama of the World Championships through detailed coverage from dedicated sports journalists.
