Tour de France Femmes: Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney's top-tier endeavor on Col de la Madeleine fails to secure the yellow jersey in the second edition of the race
Niewiadoma-Phinney Targets Podium Finish in Tour de France Femmes
Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney, the four-time podium finisher in the Tour de France Femmes, has revealed her strategies for securing a top spot in this year's final stage. After losing time on the queen stage (Col de la Madeleine), she aims to regain a podium position by joining a decisive breakaway and using her descending skills to distance rivals, notably Sarah Gigante and Demi Vollering.
Niewiadoma-Phinney's strategy focuses on tactical climbing, capitalizing on technical descents, and maintaining close proximity to immediate rivals on the overall classification. On the technical descent from the last major climb (Col de Joux-Plane), she and five others, including the winner Pauline Ferrand-Prévot, distanced Sarah Gigante significantly to secure a podium gain.
Recognizing that the overall competition has intensified, Niewiadoma-Phinney has emphasized the need for mental resilience and experience. She has demonstrated emotional strength and tactical acumen honed from years of competing at the front, describing the podium finish as a personal victory and motivation to keep pushing despite setbacks during the race.
Niewiadoma-Phinney's performance on the Col de la Madeleine was her best effort in her career, surpassing her performance in the last stage of the Tour de France Femmes last year. Despite not being able to keep pace with Pauline Ferrand-Prévot and Sarah Gigante on the climb, she did not focus on her power meter but gave it her all.
The final stage of the Tour de France Femmes will be a 124km race from Praz-sur-Arly to Châtel, featuring four ascents: Côte d'Araches-la-Frasse, Col de Joux-Plane, Col du Corbier, and a ski resort finish. Niewiadoma-Phinney believes that the descents from Col du Ranfolly and Col du Corbier could be used to put pressure on Sarah Gigante, who has struggled with the technical aspects of the race.
With Pauline Ferrand-Prévot having a commanding lead in the GC, Niewiadoma-Phinney is still motivated to stand on the overall podium. She aims to surpass Sarah Gigante, Demi Vollering, or both to secure her place on the podium. As the race enters its final stages, the women's peloton will undoubtedly witness an exciting battle for the podium spots.
Sports strategy focus on Niewiadoma-Phinney's tactical climbing, capitalizing on technical descents, and maintaining close proximity to rivals in the Tour de France Femmes. Determined to secure a podium position, she aims to use this approach to outperform Sarah Gigante, Demi Vollering, or both in the final stages of the race.
