photo credits @ ToP
The final individual time trial brought plenty of excitement as the 82nd Tour de Pologne UCI WorldTour came to a close. The fastest man on the stage was Brandon McNulty of UAE Team Emirates-XRG. The American also claimed victory in the ORLEN General Classification.
The world’s top teams arrived today at the “Wieliczka” Salt Mine for the last stage of the race – an individual time trial. The 12.5-kilometre course was a true test of solo riding skills and was set to decide not only the best time trialist but also the winner of the ORLEN General Classification.
Riders started the time trial in reverse order of the general classification, meaning the first to roll off the ramp was Fernando Gaviria of Movistar Team, who was last overall. Early in the stage, the “hot seat” for the current leader changed hands multiple times. Among those posting strong times were Manilo Moro (Movistar Team) and Max Walker (EF Education-EasyPost), but the longest stay in the lead belonged to young Italian Lorenzo Milesi of Movistar Team, who completed the course in 14 minutes 43 seconds, averaging over 50 km/h.
As more riders crossed the finish line, Milesi remained in the lead. Not even time trial specialist Stefan Küng of Groupama-FDJ – a two-time European champion and World Championships medalist – could dethrone him, finishing 8 seconds back. Meanwhile, the battle for the ORLEN General Classification win was heating up, with GC favourites also aiming for a strong stage placing.
From the top ten, Matteo Sobrero (Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe) and Antonio Tiberi (Bahrain Victorious) both rode well, finishing just behind Milesi. The Italian’s reign ended only when Brandon McNulty – second in the ORLEN General Classification heading into the stage – delivered a superb ride of 14 minutes 31 seconds.
Nobody could match the American today. Former leader Victor Langellotti (INEOS Grenadiers) lost 46 seconds to him, dropping to 5th overall. McNulty pulled on the yellow jersey, with Italians Antonio Tiberi and Matteo Sobrero joining him on the ORLEN General Classification podium.
“I came here focused on the time trial, but later I knew I had just one job: to beat Langellotti and stay ahead of Tiberi. Winning the stage is the cherry on top. The time trial was short and started with the toughest climb. You had to start strong and then keep the pace. Today was my day,” said happy Brandon McNulty, winner of the ORLEN General Classification.
“It took me a moment to find my rhythm. I struggled a bit, but just before reaching the top I felt my legs were good and I found my pace. Then I tried to give my all on the rolling section, as if the finish were at the summit. At the intermediate checkpoint they told me I had a good time, and that gave me a little extra boost to tackle the rest of the stage. In general, I prefer longer time trials that allow me to settle into a rhythm, and managing yourself well is also really important. But I’ve noticed that even in shorter time trials, if I get in the right mindset, I can do well. I’m happy with how it went,” said Antonio Tiberi, second in the ORLEN General Classification and fourth on the stage.
The stage podium was also completed by Italians – Lorenzo Milesi and Matteo Sobrero.
“I’m happy with how my ride went. McNulty was really strong though – today he was the strongest no matter what. Right now, I’m really pleased with my time trial. Even though I wasn’t feeling great, I’m happy I started and managed to bring home second place today,” said Milesi.
The best-placed Pole on the stage and in the ORLEN General Classification was Rafał Majka, who finished the time trial in 16th place and was 8th overall. He also claimed the ORLEN VITAY Best Polish Rider Prime.
“It was a beautiful race and I’m happy we could win it as a team. For the past two years, I’ve known that this season would be my last – I wanted to finish my career at the top, still in great form. For me, health and family are the most important, and this is the perfect moment to say “enough.” I will still compete in a few more races before the end of the year, and then I’ll take a holiday and a break from cycling. I hope that in the future a strong Polish team will be created, because we have the potential and many talented young riders,” said Rafał Majka.
Another Pole stepped onto the podium – Patryk Stosz of the Polish National Team, who for the third time in his career won the LOTTO Most Active Rider Classification.
“I’m happy to win the LOTTO Most Active Rider Classification for the third time. I came here with a goal to take the jersey, and I achieved it, so I rate the race positively. It was really tough this year – the course was demanding and the rivals didn’t make it easy – but I managed, and that’s what matters,” said Patryk Stosz.
There were no changes in the PZU Best Climber Classification, which was won by Timo Kielich of Alpecin-Deceuninck.
“It’s always nice to win a jersey. In the general classification we had Quinten Hermans, so I had the chance to get into breakaways and go for KOM points. It was fun riding at the front and I’m glad I could win the jersey,” admitted Timo Kielich.
The Lang Team Points Classification was retained by Wałbrzych stage winner Ben Turner (INEOS Grenadiers), who took fifth on today’s stage.
“I wanted to perform as well as possible in this race. I was aiming to try my luck in sprints and it worked out really well for us. As a team, we rode great, and I never thought we’d achieve so much this week. I knew I was in good shape. After an injury at the Giro d’Italia I focused on training, so I knew the form was there. I was second twice, but also managed to win a stage and the jersey – that’s amazing. The atmosphere was also incredible, especially with Kwiato in the team. When you race with someone for whom this is a home race, it’s always special,” commented Ben Turner.
The Bjorg Lambrecht Best Young Rider Classification was won by Jan Christen of UAE Team Emirates-XRG, who finished fourth overall in the ORLEN General Classification. Christen and his teammates from the UAE squad also dominated the Decathlon Team Classification, taking a decisive win.
The 82nd Tour de Pologne UCI WorldTour has come to an end. We’ve witnessed seven days of beautiful and thrilling competition among the world’s best cycling teams. Here’s how Czesław Lang, General Director of the Tour de Pologne, summed up the event:
“This year’s Tour de Pologne was incredibly exciting – from the beautiful start in Wrocław, through the demanding mountain stages, to the final time trial in Wieliczka. Thousands of fans along the routes all over the country showed just how great the interest in cycling is in Poland. It was a true celebration of sport that unites people beyond divisions. Thanks to broadcasts in over 65 countries, we were able to promote the beauty of Poland around the world. I thank all the fans and already invite you to the next edition – we will prepare a beautiful and exciting route for you,” he assured.
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