'Seeing Wout pull it off in Roubaix gave me faith' – Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney shakes off yet another second place at Amstel Gold Race and looks to next chance

Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney once again found herself on the second step of the podium at the 2026 Amstel Gold Race, marking her third runner-up finish in the Classics season. Despite a strong performance, the Polish rider was ultimately bested, adding to a growing tally of near-misses. Following the race, Niewiadoma-Phinney expressed a mix of frustration and continued optimism, citing Wout van Aert's Roubaix victory as a source of faith for her own future chances.

This latest second place continues a pattern for Niewiadoma-Phinney, a talented rider whose career is increasingly defined by her consistent ability to contend for wins without often securing them. Her 2026 Classics campaign has been a testament to her enduring form, yet the elusive victory remains just out of reach. For a rider of her calibre, these repeated near-triumphs highlight the razor-thin margins at the elite level of women's cycling, where one tactical misstep or a rival's superior day can dictate the outcome.

While her consistency is commendable, Niewiadoma-Phinney’s repeated silver medals are becoming less a narrative of perseverance and more one of a champion-in-waiting who simply cannot close the deal. The faith in Van Aert is admirable, but ultimately, she needs to find her own way to the top step.