The starting point has not been chosen at random. This year marks the 25th anniversary of free elections on 4 June 1988 and our national cycling race joins these amazing celebrations. Tour de Pologne is not only about sports emotions on the highest level but also about promoting Poland and the most important events in its history. “In previous years we used the race to bring back the memories of the Warsaw Uprising, we promoted the Chopin Year and we followed the John Paul II route. This year we want to remind everyone that it was the workmen from the Gdańsk Shipyard who initiated the changes in the whole political and social system in Poland” – explains Tour de Pologne General Director, Czesław Lang. The honorary patron of the start and the race opening is Lech Wałęsa. The official ceremony will take place in the Solidarity Square.
Among 21 teams that are taking part in the 71st Tour de Pologne race, there are 18 professional UCI World Tour teams as well as three wild-card teams: the representation of Poland, CCC Polsat Polkowice and Rusvelo. The strength of the race is not only the participation of cycling celebrities but also a large number of Polish cyclists. For them, it’s an ideal opportunity to show themselves in the peloton, compete to win particular stages and bonuses or move in front of the peloton. The best ones, those who are already the stars of cycling, will be competing for the final victory.
The route of this year’s Tour de Pologne race guarantees extreme emotions. The flat start is an excellent opportunity for sprinters who can fight to win the stages in Bydgoszcz, Warsaw, Rzeszów and Katowice. Later, the race moves to the Tatra Mountains, where first-rate mountain cyclists will have most to say. The fifth stage will finish of in Strbskie Pleso, at the height of more than 1,300 metres above the sea level. The sixth, royal stage includes famous rounds with the cult “Bukovina Wall” uphill road. For dessert, the cyclists will have an individual time trial in Kraków, which may decide about the final classification at the finish line.
Tour de Pologne is not only about the competition between the best cyclists in the world, but also between amateurs and the youngest fans of two wheels. For the latest one, the Lang Team organises Nutella Mini Tour de Pologne – a series of races that take place in one part of the adult Tour de Pologne. Last year, it had over 1,000 participants! They can compete individually and in a team. A new thing this year is the Youth Cup for 13-14-year-old kids from sports clubs, also sponsored by Nutella (Ferrero).
The amateurs will have a chance to race in the most difficult stage of Tour de Pologne during the Amateur Tour de Pologne. On 8th August nearly 2,000 cyclists will start from the BUKOVINA Terma Hotel Spa to cover 38 kilometres, including the famous “Bukovina Wall”.
More information on: Lang Team website
