'I'm curious to see where my body is at, how I recover, and how I get through this long stage race' – Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney targets podium at La Vuelta Femenina

Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney, leading Canyon-SRAM zondacrypto, has publicly declared her ambition for a podium finish at La Vuelta Femenina. The Polish champion expressed curiosity about her form and recovery capabilities ahead of the Spanish Grand Tour, which notably includes the formidable Angliru ascent. Her statement sets a clear objective for the team's performance in one of the season's premier stage races.

This declaration is significant given Niewiadoma-Phinney's consistent, yet often podium-shy, Grand Tour performances, including multiple top-five finishes. Her recent victory at the UCI Gravel World Championships demonstrated exceptional endurance and tactical prowess, but translating that form to a mountainous road stage race like La Vuelta, especially with the Angliru looming, is a different challenge. It marks a pivotal moment for her to convert consistent high-level performance into a Grand Tour podium.

Niewiadoma-Phinney's curiosity about her body's recovery on such a demanding course is a refreshingly candid assessment. Ultimately, the Angliru will be the true arbiter of her podium aspirations.