Kasia Niewiadoma rode strongly at Trofeo Alfredo Binda in Italy today to finish just off the podium in fourth place. Kasia attacked on the climb on the penultimate lap forming a six-rider group. Elisa Longo Borghini (TFS) quickly counter-attacked and stayed away for a solo victory. Kasia fought hard in the sprint to the line, finish third in the chase group and fourth overall. Hannah Barnes was the team’s next best rider in fifteenth place.

The team had put in strong efforts with Hannah, Tiffany Cromwell, and Alena Amialiusik all present in breakaways within the final 40 kilometres of racing, aiming to set up a hard race for team leader Kasia.

“I attacked with one lap to go because I wanted to test my legs and reduce the size of the peloton so it would be easier to find the right position for the last lap. I lacked some acceleration at the moment when Elisa attacked in order to go with her,” said Kasia.

“I was hoping we can catch Elisa but we didn’t manage to do that. I attacked again on the last stretch of the final climb aiming to open up a gap and go for the podium. When that didn’t work, I took Marianne Vos’ wheel for the sprint but she was too fast for me and I didn’t get a clear run either so I had to roll across for fourth.”

Kasia continued, “I’ve got good feelings for the future races! I’m happy to see how the team is racing and I’m excited for the upcoming races! We have more potential than what we have shown so far.”

“My role was as road captain and be the support across the board until at least two laps to go. When we lost Omer (Shapira) to a crash on the climb I had to step in earlier than planned to help Alena who had been covering a lot of attacks,” said Tiffany.

“With three laps to go we decided we would start making the race hard and we backed each other up well. With two to go, Hannah went twice, then Alena went, and I gave my last effort to go on the attack before Kasia attacked. Unfortunately Elisa benefited from that, but we executed the plan as we had wanted.”

“For me personally I was happy with my race. I felt strong today, that I could support the team and it was nice to go on the attack and give everything that last time to make it hard for those behind. It was nice to feel strong on the climbs and be able to do that.”

“The team is obviously a little disappointed with fourth, Kasia more than anyone. Especially when you’re so close to the podium and her run into the sprint wasn’t the cleanest. There are plenty of positives we took from the race and we know the World Tour podium is near.”

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