Lidl-Trek Shopping Tour: Tour de France winner Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney changes teams

Lidl-Trek has strengthened its ranks with one of the most successful female riders of recent years. The Polish rider joins the team after more than a decade with her previous side and brings with her experience from the biggest races on the calendar. Her aggressive riding style and her ability to deliver at crucial moments have made her one of the best-known athletes in the women’s peloton.

Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney’s achievements

During her career, Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney has won the Tour de France, La Flèche Wallonne and the Amstel Gold Race. Her strength lies in demanding climbs, where she consistently puts on a show with her attacks. Her greatest success came in 2024 at the Tour de France Femmes, when she claimed the Yellow Jersey on the final climb to Alpe d’Huez. In the end, her lead in the general classification was just four seconds.

In 2026, she continued to perform consistently. In August, she won the stage up Mont Ventoux, which she describes as one of the defining moments in women’s cycling. She once again finished second in the general classification. Since the reintroduction of the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift in 2022, she has finished on the podium in every edition.

Reasons for changing teams

"I spent many years with the same team and the decision wasn’t an easy one until I spoke to Lidl-Trek," explains Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney. The team immediately set out a plan and showed confidence in her abilities. She is looking forward to working with experts who have a fresh perspective on her potential.

She is particularly looking forward to being reunited with Riejanne Markus, with whom she raced for WM3 ten years ago. The entire Lidl-Trek squad consists of talented young and experienced riders, which motivates her even more.

Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney’s role in the team

Team manager Frank Schleck describes the signing as a significant moment for the women’s programme. “She is one of the most successful riders of her generation, but what excites us most is the way she races,” says Schleck. Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney is bold and aggressive, he adds. She takes responsibility and actively shapes races, rather than sitting back and waiting.

This mindset is in keeping with the identity that Lidl-Trek is seeking to establish. Her arrival brings another leading figure to the most important races on the calendar. However, her influence extends beyond results. Her experience, professionalism and competitive spirit could raise the standard of the entire team.

"The aim isn’t simply to add more race days or results," explains Schleck. "We want to understand what Kasia still hopes to achieve, and create the right environment to pursue those ambitions together."

Targets for 2028

"I have so many goals that I want to work hard towards over the next few years, and I’m sure I can achieve them with the team," says the 32-year-old. Although Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney doesn’t really know the team yet, she has complete confidence in Lidl-Trek. It is this conviction that makes her so excited about the next two seasons.

Whether the move will pay off remains to be seen from next season onwards. It will certainly be an unusual sight to see the Polish rider no longer in the Canyon//Sram kit, but in the Lidl-Trek kit.