Kasia Niewiadoma was the queen of the Mur de Huy today, winning La Flèche Wallonne with a brilliant move in the closing moments to take a long-awaited victory. After countless podium places and seasons of unwavering determination, the CANYON//SRAM Racing rider deserved her sweet triumph.

As Kasia crossed the line victorious, she raised her right hand to the sky, gesturing to her partner’s grandmother, who passed away yesterday, whose engagement ring adorns her hand.

After she stepped off the bike, Kasia was immediately moved from joy to tears and back to happiness and relief with the memorable victory.

The 146km race started from Huy under hail and heavy rain conditions. After the first hour of racing, a three-rider breakaway rode away, forging a gap of over five minutes. With the first of two Mur de Huy ascents looming, Kasia’s teammate, young Antonia Niedermaier, paced the climb and halved the gap to the leaders. In the final circuit, as the peloton caught the last breakaway riders, Elise Chabbey attacked, forcing several riders to react with less than ten kilometres to go.

As the peloton hit the bottom slopes of the Mur de Huy, Kasia waited patiently as Demi Vollering (SDW) set the early pace. Three riders moved clear from the group and into contention for the win as the slope hit 18%. When Elisa Longo Borghini (LTK) moved after the 200m to go sign, Kasia waited, launching her move as the 150m sign approached. Not once looking back, Kasia powered to the line to take victory in a race she had dreamed of winning for over ten years.

RIDER REACTIONS

Kasia Niewiadoma: “I hope this race will inspire many people to keep believing and pursuing their dreams. I’ve had so many second, third, and fifth places. I never stopped believing that, as a team, we could win. The victory was here waiting for us.”

“My team gave me the time to change my preparation to the spring classics this season. With my coach, I simulated racing on the Mur multiple times. I was confident that I could hold the power in the final 20 seconds, and I woke up believing that this was the day. Deep inside, I knew this was my day. I just felt it. The race was intense from the start, with the wet and cold weather. It was brutal initially when it rained so hard, and the temperature went so low. I knew the conditions were on my side because I always benefit from hard and challenging races like this. As a team, we kept positive despite all shaking from the cold. My teammates were amazing, taking care of me, ensuring I was warm and bringing jackets when needed so I could change. It meant I could focus only on the final.”

“When I started my sprint, I didn’t want to waste energy by looking around. I just gave my best and sprinted to the line for the victory. It’s my tenth time racing here at Flèche, and ever since the first time I raced in 2014, it’s been a dream of mine to win.”

“I’m proud of my team, myself, my supporters and my fans who never stopped believing. I want to enjoy today. After five years of not winning a road race, I will enjoy this moment with my team and teammates. I enjoy this process and the path that I’ve had to get there. Winning is special. I believe in personal development. If I can make progress in myself, help my teammates, stay patient and keep the faith high, then I’m okay with this path.” 

“Yesterday, my partner’s grandmother passed away, and we said I ride for her. I have her engagement ring, and I thought of her as soon as I crossed the line. This victory is an even more special moment.”

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