Kasia Niewiadoma: The Relentless Climber Who Redefined Women’s Cycling

I have a confession: I didn’t fully appreciate Kasia Niewiadoma until I watched her charge up the Mur de Huy like it was her backyard hill. 

I was sitting on my couch with a cup of coffee, yelling at the screen as she exploded out of the saddle and dropped some of the strongest riders in the world at La Flèche Wallonne Féminine. 

That was the moment I realized she wasn’t just another name in the peloton — she was a force of nature. 

Since then, I’ve followed every twist and turn of her career, and every time she races, I know I’m about to see something bold, strategic, and downright inspiring.

Who Exactly Is Kasia Niewiadoma and Why Should You Care?

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Katarzyna “Kasia” Niewiadoma is one of those rare cyclists who seem born for the mountains. 

Born in Poland and racing for UCI Women’s WorldTeam Canyon–SRAM zondacrypto, she’s built a career around attacking climbs with fearless aggression and a never-say-die spirit. 

That relentless style has turned her into a fan favorite and a serious threat in any race with elevation.

What sets her apart isn’t just the power in her legs — it’s the consistency in her performances. Over the years, Kasia has carved out a reputation as a podium regular, turning near-misses into hard-earned victories. 

And when she finally claimed the Tour de France Femmes general classification in 2024, it felt like the culmination of years of persistence, heartbreak, and growth. 

She’s the type of rider who never stops trying, even when the odds are stacked against her — and that’s what makes her story so captivating.

What Are Kasia Niewiadoma’s Biggest Career Highlights?

One of the best ways to understand just how remarkable Kasia Niewiadoma is involves looking at what she’s accomplished. She’s not just collecting trophies — she’s rewriting records. Here’s a quick snapshot of her major achievements:

What I love about this list is how it shows her evolution. She’s not just strong in one discipline — she’s excelled on the road, in the mountains, and even off-road as the UCI Gravel World Champion. 

And those three podium finishes at the Tour de France Femmes before her 2024 win? They weren’t failures — they were stepping stones that built the champion she is today.

How Did Kasia Niewiadoma Finally Conquer the Tour de France Femmes?

Watching Kasia win the 2024 Tour de France Femmes was one of those goosebumps-inducing sports moments. 

After finishing third in both 2022 and 2023, she came into the race hungry. You could see it in her body language, her pacing, and her tactical choices. Every climb looked personal, every attack calculated.

What impressed me most was how she managed her energy. Instead of going all-out too early, she paced herself perfectly through the stages, saving her most explosive efforts for when they mattered most. 

On the toughest mountain stages, where the race often fractures and dreams are made or broken, she stayed calm and relentless. 

And when the final stage sealed her victory, it felt less like a surprise and more like destiny fulfilled.

That triumph wasn’t just a personal milestone — it was a statement. It proved that persistence pays off, that finishing third twice can be the fuel you need to finish first. 

And now, with her sights set on winning back-to-back titles, the story isn’t over — it’s just getting started.

Why Is Kasia Niewiadoma So Loved in the Cycling World?

If you spend any time following pro cycling, you’ll notice Kasia has something rare: universal respect. 

Fans adore her, teammates trust her, and rivals know she’s never out of the fight. And it’s not just because she wins — it’s how she races.

She’s known for her aggressive style, launching bold attacks when others hesitate. Even if it doesn’t always lead to victory, it makes every race she’s in more exciting. 

And then there’s her resilience. Cycling is brutal — injuries, crashes, and heartbreak are part of the job. 

But Kasia keeps coming back stronger, proving over and over that grit is just as important as talent.

Off the bike, she’s just as inspiring. She speaks openly about the mental challenges of the sport and the importance of enjoying the process, not just the results. 

That honesty makes her relatable, even to those of us who will never climb the Col du Tourmalet ourselves.

What’s Next for Kasia Niewiadoma?

The next chapter in Kasia Niewiadoma’s career looks even more exciting. She recently extended her contract with Canyon–SRAM zondacrypto through 2026, signaling that both she and the team believe her best years are still ahead. 

And with momentum on her side, her goal is crystal clear: win the Tour de France Femmes twice in a row.

That might sound ambitious, but if anyone can pull it off, it’s Kasia. She’s already shown she can handle pressure, learn from setbacks, and rise to the occasion. 

And with women’s cycling gaining more attention and coverage than ever, she’s perfectly positioned to become one of the defining athletes of this era.

How Can You Learn From Kasia Niewiadoma’s Approach to Cycling?

You might not be racing the Tour de France anytime soon, but there’s a lot to take from Kasia’s mindset. First, her story shows the power of persistence. 

Finishing third twice would crush a lot of people — but she used it as motivation. Second, she proves that versatility matters. 

By branching out into gravel racing and embracing new challenges, she became an even stronger rider overall.

And finally, Kasia reminds us that success is about more than winning. It’s about how you show up, how you push yourself, and how you inspire others along the way. Whether you’re chasing a podium or a personal goal, that’s a lesson worth remembering.

FAQs About Kasia Niewiadoma

Q: What team does Kasia Niewiadoma race for?

A: Kasia rides for Canyon–SRAM zondacrypto, one of the top teams in women’s professional cycling. She’s been with them for years, and her recent contract extension through 2026 shows just how strong that partnership is.

Q: Has Kasia Niewiadoma won the Tour de France Femmes?

A: Yes, she won the 2024 Tour de France Femmes, a career-defining victory that came after finishing third in both 2022 and 2023. She’s now aiming to defend her title and make it two in a row.

Q: What kind of rider is Kasia Niewiadoma?

A: Kasia is a climbing specialist known for her explosive attacks on steep gradients and her fearless racing style. She’s also incredibly consistent, often finishing near the top in major stage races and one-day classics.

Q: What are some of Kasia Niewiadoma’s other major wins?

A: Beyond the Tour, she’s won races like La Flèche Wallonne Féminine (2024), Amstel Gold Race Ladies Edition (2019), and The Women’s Tour (2017). She’s also the 2023 UCI Gravel World Champion, proving her versatility.

Chasing Legends: Why Kasia Niewiadoma’s Story Sticks With Me

Every time I watch Kasia Niewiadoma race, I’m reminded why I love cycling. It’s not just the victories — though those are sweet — it’s the journey that leads to them. 

It’s the third-place finishes that fuel the fire, the bold attacks that fall short but still light up the race, and the relentless pursuit of something bigger than a result.

Kasia embodies all of that. And as she gears up for another shot at Tour de France glory, I can’t help but think about how far she’s come — and how much more she’s capable of. 

Maybe it’s the fan in me talking, but I wouldn’t bet against her. After all, riders like her don’t just win races — they change the sport.

And here’s my tip: the next time you watch a women’s race, pay close attention when Kasia’s in the peloton.

You’ll see what determination looks like on two wheels — and you might just find yourself cheering louder than you expected.