Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney
The Sigma Sports Cafe Ride
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Matt Stephens is guided through the lanes of Girona and Banyoles by former Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift champion Kasia Niewiadoma-Phinney in this cracking episode of the Sigma Sports Café Ride. Kasia and her husband Taylor welcome Matt to their winter training base for what feels like an episode of their own cookery show.
Omelettes, banana bread and “the best homemade coffee yet to feature on the series” later, and Matt’s ready for the lanes. Girona is a popular haunt for pro cyclists, privateers and keen amateurs alike, with smooth tarmac and friendly temperatures all year round. Not to mention the bakeries and café options - which saw the pair stop twice.
Luckily for Matt, Kasia had enough time to squeeze in a casual cafe ride before her 3 hour threshold training session. With all this fuel on board, and no cause to pace himself, could Matt possibly beat the Polish champion in a town sign sprint?
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The Route
This was the Sigma Sports Cafe Ride series' first visit to Girona and Kasia therefore pulled out all the stops when it came to the route. Leaving the historic Catalonia town, Matt and Kasia headed north and up and over the Turo del Majordom before climbing up to Banyoles.
This would be the duo's stopping point, where tucked away in the streets of Banyoles they enjoyed a much deserved pastry pick up at Pastisseria La Menuda, before going for the main course at the stunning lake-side Cafe Aquarium.
Well fuelled for the return journey Kasia took Matt through Camos and descended back into Girona before a final test on the climb of Pujada de la Barrufa. A short and steep ascent, where the pair were rewarded at the top with a stunning view over the beautiful Girona skyline.
The Bike
Girona is a real hub for cycling style and Matt was keen to up his game for this Spanish spin. Thankfully the guys at Factor were on hand to provide Matt with a bike that would turn heads for all the right reasons.
Factor's ONE is one of the fastest, most eye catching road bikes on the market, with a truly unique frame and fork design and here in a one of a kind paint scheme, this bike means business. Equipped with SRAM Force AXS components and Black Inc wheels, Matt soaked up the miles on this game changer of a bike.
The Kit
Brisk spring-like conditions greeted Matt for his first Spanish Cafe Ride. With a chilly start Universal Colours kit and some careful layering was the way to go. Layers meant once the sun did start to warm things up, Matt was able to fully embrace the early spring conditions in a range of Mono and Spectrum kit.
Finishing the look, Matt opted for a Giro helmet and shoes and a pair of Alba Optics sunglasses.
Want to explore the series? Find out about the other Sigma Sports Cafe Ride guests and watch all the episodes.