KASIA JUST OFF THE PODIUM IN LA VUELTA FEMENINA OPENER

Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney opened her 2026 Grand Tour campaign in strong fashion, taking fourth place on stage one of La Vuelta Femenina and carrying her impressive Ardennes Classics form into Galicia, Spain.

The largely uneventful, straightforward 114km stage only came to life inside the final 10km, when a technical descent sparked action. A crash split the peloton as a small group moved clear, but they were soon reeled back in. A slightly reduced bunch then charged into the final 3km at high speed, with added motivation to contest the first ‘La Roja’ leader’s jersey.

Kasia initially looked to guide fellow Pole Agnieszka Skalniak-Sójka through two sweeping hairpins and into the 3-4% gradients that characterised the final kilometre. However, as the intensity crept up and the road began to bite, she shifted focus and took on the finishing duties herself.

Out of the final corner at 300m to go, the leaders put the hammer down on the steepest ramps. Kasia emptied the tank, holding strong to the line but just missed the explosive peak of the more sprint-favoured riders, finishing where she launched her effort – fourth.

Here’s what Kasia had to say after the first of seven stages in north-west Spain.

“I’m feeling good. I don’t have the same sprint power as the winner—the finish needs to be steeper or longer, or both!”

Agnieszka added:

“After the last descent, it was hectic with everyone fighting for position. I was there with Kasia, but I lost myself in the final kilometre. In the last corner, everyone went at full speed, and I couldn’t do it. During the stage, I felt good and was motivated to fight. I have to look for another opportunity now.”

Tomorrow’s 109km stage will likely have a similar look and feel – another undulating, twisty route through naturally rolling terrain. Dragging gradients in the final 5km could once again split the peloton, while breakaway action always remains a possibility.

HOW TO FOLLOW

Stage 2 | Mon, May 4 | Lobios – San Cibraro das Viñas | 109km | 2141m | 14:00 – 17:05 CET | Live 15:35.

Stage 3 | Tue, May 5 | Padrón – A Coruña | 121km | 2036m | 13:50 – 17:05 CET | Live 15:35.

Stage 4 | Wed, May 6 | Monforte de Lemos – Antas de Ulla | 115km | 2002m | 14:05 – 17:07 CET | Live 15:35.

Stage 5 | Thu, May 7 | León – Astorga | 119km | 1146m | 13:50 – 17:06 CET | Live 15:35.

Stage 6 | Fri, May 8 | Gijón – Les Praeres | 106km | 2138m | 14:05 – 17:36 CET | Live 16:05.

Stage 7 | Sat, May 9 | La Pola Llaviana – L’Angliru | 132km | 3272m | 10:15 – 14:17 CET | Live 15:50.

Live coverage is available on RTVE (Spain), TNT Sports, Eurosport, HBO Max, FloBikes, Peacock, SBS, and other national broadcasters. Follow the race each day on X using #LaVueltaFemenina and #UCIWWT, and stay updated with CANYON//SRAM zondacrypto via our social channels.