Rafał Majka on the emotions related to the Tour de Pologne

Exactly 10 years ago, Rafał Majka captivated the Tour de Pologne by winning two stages and the overall title of our national race. A decade later, he returns as part of the incredibly strong UAE Team Emirates lineup, with a great appetite for… fun.

Did you think about the fact that it’s been ten years already, and it would be nice to celebrate that somehow?

I’m not putting any pressure on myself. I know for sure that I’ll have a good time here. Because when Majka comes to the Tour de Pologne, something always happens, right?

True, but besides having fun, Majka can still compete for the top spots. You showed that last year at the finish in Duszniki-Zdrój. Do you have that stage marked in red again?

I don’t know yet. Maybe this year, completely different days will decide the victory. A lot will be clear after the second stage and the individual time trial. I think then we’ll know a lot more about who from our team will fight for the general classification.

How do you feel on home roads? Does your heart beat faster?

Of course. I’ve said before that winning the general classification of the Tour de Pologne was one of the most beautiful moments in my career. Riding on Polish roads, hearing the shouts “Majka, Majka!”, seeing those banners. And being able to win for myself and those people. Incredible.

And how do you feel ahead of this year’s edition? Are you well-rested?

I think everyone can see that the years are passing, but the legs are still spinning, right? I’m like a good wine. And that’s all because I’m having fun.

Tell us a few words about your team, because there’s no shortage of aces here.

Sure. There’s Tim Wellens, who has also won the Tour de Pologne and could be very strong, we have Felix Grossschartner, for whom this is a very good route, and there’s Diego Ulissi. Like I said, everything will be clear after the first stages.

As usual, you have the support of your loved ones at the Tour de Pologne. Does that help?

Definitely. My wife, daughter, and son are with me. He’s just like me – always everywhere. We all know what cycling is like, how many days are spent away from home. Every moment they can be with me is worth its weight in gold.