In the run-up to the Ardennes Classics, we spoke with Katarzyna Niewiadoma. The successful professional cyclist has been riding for the Canyon-SRAM cycling team since 2018. Katarzyna told us about how she started cycling, which moments of her career she is most proud of and what her goals are for the coming years. She also tells us her ultimate tip to keep improving as a cyclist. Finally, Katarzyna shares her favorite recipe for a high-protein smoothie bowl.
Name: Katarzyna Niewiadoma
Date of birth: 29-09-1994
Nationality: Polish
Team: Canyon-SRAM
Greatest victories: Amstel Gold Race (2019), GC The Women’s Tour (2017)
1. What do you love most about your sport?
“I love the freedom, adrenaline and emotional rollercoaster that road cycling is giving me! I love the feeling of satisfaction I get after a super hard training ride or grueling race”
“I never thought that cycling would be the thing I would mainly be doing in my life, but once I took part in the European Championships in Italy I fell in love with the competitive part of this sport.” – Katarzyna Niewiadoma, professional cyclist
2. How did you start cycling?
“I started riding my bike because of my dad who at that time was a big cycling fan. I would grow up watching him leave the house for a bike ride and returning home completely tired. In some ways it made me curious to want to experience what it felt like. I never thought that cycling would be the thing I would mainly be doing in my life, but once I took part in the European Championships in Italy I fell in love with the competitive part of this sport. Seeing all the professional teams around me made me want to be in the best team with the best riders in the world around me.”
3. What moment in your sporting career are you most proud of?
“Winning Amstel Gold Race is definitely one of the moments I am really proud of! I remember feeling uncertain before the start, knowing I was in a good shape yet somehow feeling other rivals. Once start was given, I was able to disconnect my doubtful thoughts and I was just able to concentrate on the race and my personal goal. I know Cauberg very well as I would race it multiple times years before. I remember watching Marianne Vos winning worlds in 2012 on that climb and all I wanted to do was to repeat that attack! I was able to ride others off of my wheel and that felt amazing. Being able to come to the race with an excellent shape and not let other factors destroy it is always very special and very rare.”
4. What are your biggest sporting goals for the coming years?
“I work hard towards winning one of the Ardennes classics again, I want to fight for the yellow jersey during Tour de France Femme and I still dream of becoming a World Champ! I still have the passion and motivation to stay focused and work hard towards my goals so that allows me to stay patience and not give up.”
“Sweating a little is the best therapy for a busy mind.” – Katarzyna Niewiadoma, professional cyclist
5. Do you have any tips to stay fit and healthy?
“Speaking from a personal point of view it’s very important to keep moving, no matter for how long, but making sure that you get a nice work out 5-6 times a week will allow you to stay healthy and happy! Sweating a little is the best therapy for a busy mind. I do also prioritize drinking a lot of water! It’s very overrated and you might hear it everywhere but trust me, the more you pay attention to it the better you digest your food and the better recovery you get.”
6. What is your number 1 tip for cyclists who want to improve?
“Being disciplined and diligent with your training rides is the key to the improvement, having a trust in your coach and not overtraining will take you where you want to be. In the last years I learnt how important good rest is, especially in between hard blocks of training or blocks of racing. So allowing your body to chill for a couple of days will only bring you benefits.”
7. What is your favorite meal?
“Hard question 🙂 I’ve been into Israeli cuisine lately, so anything with tahini on it is my favorite meal. Yet I must say my favorite post-race dinner is a wagyu burger.”
8. What is your favorite Virtuoos supplement?
“I think the protein blends for recovery. I am always looking forward to having a shake after my workout, feels like a little reward/treat.”
The favorite Smoothie bowl recipe of Katarzyna:
- 1-2 scoops of Virtuoos vanilla protein powder
- 120 g Greek yoghurt
- 1 frozen banana
- 1 handful of raspberries
- 3 Medjoul dates
- 1-2 tablespoons tahini
- Dash of cinnamon
- 120 ml water
