Kasia Niewiadoma is one of the riders who often front up when the finish line comes in sight, but rarely throws her arms into the air to celebrate.

This is the first time the women's World Tour rider has claimed UCI's first victory since 2019 and won the opening gravel race. It was a move that helped Niewiadoma on a huge stage pulling her first Elite Rainbow jersey.

"I saw the course of this UCI Gravel World Championship and saw the opportunity, so working with the team and the Canyon, we decided to go for it," said Medec Course after the race, which provided 1660m of vertical gain over 140km on its steep climb and was only a short distance from the event after a delayed change of organizers. It was revealed in three weeks. That meant the Canyon Slam Rider was a quick decision to add an event at the end of the road season, but one that earned huge rewards.

"From the first climb, we knew today would be a great day," niewiadoma said in a statement from the race organizers. "It's a win that pays off the whole season I've always attacked and fought against the strongest athletes, but I've never won as much as I liked," he said."

The rider's strong road season includes eight stages and an overall podium standings and more than 20 top Ten, and her first victory of the year was because it was against some familiar rivals, and Niewiadoma was aware of their strength when they tried to hunt her down. The field was split early on, and the technical section and climb provided ample opportunities to pour into the pressure. Since then, she has fought solo, with 2nd place Silvia Persico (Italy) and Demi Volarling (Netherlands), eventually becoming 3rd and chasing up to the line. "The last 10km was really difficult, and the last climb and descent of Collagú was really difficult," Niewiadoma said. "I was worried that the group behind me would come back," he said."But this time on the gravel, it was Niewiadoma who won over her usual rivals on the road.

"It was my first gravel race and it worked really well," was a modest summary from the newly crowned world champion celebrating.