Katarzyna Niewiadoma-Phinney

Polish GC rider who claimed the Tour de France Femmes title in 2024 after three near-misses on the podium.

Born in Wałbrzych, Poland, on March 26, 1994, Katarzyna Niewiadoma emerged from modest beginnings to become one of cycling's most formidable climbers. Growing up in Lower Silesia, she discovered her passion for cycling as a teenager and quickly demonstrated exceptional talent in mountainous terrain. Her natural climbing ability and determination caught the attention of talent scouts, leading to her entry into professional cycling in the early 2010s. Niewiadoma's breakthrough came with her victories at the Tour de l'Ardèche and other European stage races, establishing her as a rising force in women's cycling. She secured multiple podium finishes at prestigious events including the Giro d'Italia Women and various World Tour races. Her aggressive racing style became her trademark, often launching decisive attacks on steep gradients that left competitors struggling to respond. The inaugural Tour de France Femmes in 2022 showcased her abilities on cycling's biggest stage, where she claimed a podium position through consistent high-mountain performances. Throughout her career, Niewiadoma has accumulated numerous stage victories and overall classifications at major tours. Her climbing prowess has earned her recognition as one of the world's elite mountain specialists, capable of competing against the sport's biggest names. She has represented Poland at World Championships and other international competitions, consistently ranking among the top contenders in races featuring significant elevation gains. Niewiadoma's impact extends beyond her individual achievements. As one of the few Polish cyclists to achieve sustained success in women's professional cycling, she has helped raise the profile of the sport in her home country. Her technical climbing skills and tactical intelligence have influenced racing dynamics in the women's peloton, forcing competitors to adapt their strategies when facing mountainous stages. Her consistency at the highest level has established her as a respected veteran whose presence in any race lineup signals serious competition for overall victory.

Niewiadoma is known as a versatile climber and stage race specialist who excels in mountainous terrain and multi-day events. She possesses exceptional endurance and tactical awareness, often performing well in both summit finishes and challenging stage races that require consistent performance over multiple days.

Niewiadoma has helped elevate Polish women's cycling on the international stage and inspired a new generation of female cyclists in Eastern Europe.

• Tour de France Femmes 2024
• La Flèche Wallonne 2024
• Amstel Gold Race 2019
• UCI Gravel World Championship 2023
• Women's Tour 2017