Kasia Niewiadoma finished second in an epic opening race of the 2018 Women’s WorldTour today in Siena, Italy. The CANYON//SRAM rider was second behind solo winner Anna van der Breggen (DLT), and ahead of third placed rider Elisa Longo Borghini (WHT).

Under heavy rain for the entire 137km race, the peloton was largely together until the fifth gravel sector where Niewiadoma’s teammate, Alena Amialiusik, attacked and formed until then the most dangerous breakaway of the race.

After gaining up to 45 seconds advantage, Amialiusik’s trio were reeled in with 25km remaining, leaving CANYON//SRAM with both Elena Cecchini and Kasia Niewiadoma in the lead group. The final two gravel sectors saw the race explode, with van der Breggen going clear whilst Longo Borghini (who suffered a puncture) and later Niewiadoma the only two able to chase the lone leader and eventually fight it out for the podium places.

“It was an extremely hard race. Our team did great. I feel a little guilty, because I couldn’t bring home the victory for the team but to finish second, for the third time here, it’s something cool,” said Niewiadoma after the race.

“I had a few times where I was doubting myself but the team spirit was really strong and Elena was with me in the front group and talking to me a lot which was really helpful.”

“We worked hard to try to get back to the leader but in the end we couldn’t. I’ve attacked at the bottom of the final climb into Siena and the last part of that climb was so so hard. I really was doing everything to just stay on my bike,” added Niewiadoma.

“Overall we can be really happy with our team’s second place here! We’re looking forward to the next races together.”

The next race for CANYON//SRAM Racing will be at Acht van Westerwald on Friday 9 March in Netherlands.

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