‘We’ve been working toward this for so long’: Niewiadoma ready for Mont Ventoux showdown

Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney, Antonia Niedermaier and Canyon//SRAM are unquestionably ready for the crucial Tour de France Femmes stage to Mont Ventoux. The Polish rider sits third in the general classification, with her German teammate also firmly in contention. After an aggressive stage 6, during which the team even took responsibility for controlling the race, the Giant of Provence can finally take centre stage.

Although CANYON//SRAM’s attention is, as always, focused on Niewiadoma, she believes Niedermaier’s role should not be underestimated. “She has been riding brilliantly all year,” she said, referring in part to the German’s second place at the Giro d’Italia Women in June. In the finale of stage 6, Niedermaier boldly moved to the front to prevent a dangerous breakaway from being given too much freedom.

With the group of favourites, including Niewiadoma, finishing 28 seconds behind stage winner Kim Le Court, that mission was accomplished. “Antonia set a good pace, which meant that group did not suddenly get a two-minute advantage, as can sometimes happen. It was chaotic, nervous and stressful in the finale.”

According to Niewiadoma, CANYON//SRAM’s decision to take control had nothing to do with a possible alliance with yellow jersey Marlen Reusser of Movistar against Demi Vollering’s strong FDJ United-SUEZ team. “Marlen came over to give Antonia a hug mainly because she rode like a champion today, and that earns respect from the other riders.”

After completing six days of racing, stage 7 finally brings Mont Ventoux. Niewiadoma agreed that the moment had finally arrived. “I’m really looking forward to it. We’ve been working towards this for such a long time, so it’s nice that it is finally going to happen.”

Niedermaier also agreed that she is ready for Mont Ventoux. The rider fourth in the general classification and wearer of the white young rider’s jersey described stage 6 as “super hard and hot,” but her work in controlling the race helped ensure everything ended well. “Ventoux will be a really beautiful and very special day. It will be a brutal climb, where it will ultimately all come down to the legs.”