Kasia Niewiadoma is the 2023 Gravel World Champion after storming to her first rainbow title today in Pieve di Soligo, Italy. Representing Poland, the CANYON//SRAM Racing rider broke away from the lead group with around 20km remaining and rode solo to the line.

“This is so sweet! I really don’t have words for it. It’s my first rainbow jersey. I’m just so happy!” said an elated Kasia after the finish.

Already forcing an early lead group of just four riders after the steep Ca’ de Poggio climb, 78km into the 141km race, Kasia showed she was one of the favourites for the title. The lead group swelled again to 15 riders, but after another hour of racing, as the peloton prepared for final steep climbs, Kasia seized her moment.

“On the early climbs, I felt good and could see the others suffering. So when we came closer to the end, I attacked, expecting Demi or someone to join me, and we had a chance to go away together. I didn’t think I would go alone, but I wanted to eliminate some numbers in the group. I knew the final lap from the course recon and that there were some technical parts, so I felt it was a good time for me to go at that moment.”

“After such a long time of not winning a race, it’s so special to win this. I really feel like I had the best equipment today. I learned quickly that gravel racing is so important to have the right gearing and every equipment detail. It was my first gravel race, and I had so much support here from Canyon and SRAM to prepare for today, and also Tiffany answered many of my questions before the race. This win feels so amazing and I’m really grateful for everyone who helped,” added Kasia.

CANYON//SRAM Racing teammate Tiffany Cromwell finished tenth, securing her second top ten in as many Gravel World Championship editions.

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