The Peloton Enters the Kraków-Częstochowa Upland

Katowice has long been a regular stop on the Tour de Pologne route. This year, a stage with a mass start will return, beginning and ending in the capital of Upper Silesia. Along the way, the riders will pass through the picturesque Kraków-Częstochowa Upland, which will impress not only with its views but also with the sporting excitement on the demanding climbs.

The 81st Tour de Pologne is entering its decisive phase. Yesterday’s stage ended with a victory for the talented sprinter Olav Kooij from Team Visma | Lease a Bike, who was the fastest in Prudnik. Today, we can again expect a sprint finish, although it’s not a given.

The stage, starting and finishing in Katowice, will be run on the hilly roads of the Kraków-Częstochowa Upland. It will feature LOTTO sprint primes in Jaworzno and Mysłowice, a PZU third-category KOM prime on Złota Góra in Ojców, and a special Decathlon bonus in Bukowno. In the past, winners in Katowice have included the likes of Mattia Cattaneo, Remi Cavagna, Fabio Jakobsen, Pascal Ackermann, and Fernando Gaviria.

“The fifth stage will start and finish in Katowice, but it will also be a unique stage. We will ride the ‘Trail of the Eagles’ Nests’ – passing through Mysłowice, Jaworzno, and showcasing the Kraków-Częstochowa Upland to the viewers and cyclists. It won’t be an easy stage, as the elevation difference will be around 1,500 meters. In terms of tourist appeal, it will be a beautiful stage, much like those in Lower Silesia,” described Czesław Lang, General Director of the Tour de Pologne.

Today, the riders will tackle many climbs, with the beautiful castles along the Trail of the Eagles’ Nests watching over the competition. After the peloton leaves the Kraków-Częstochowa Upland, it will return to Upper Silesia, passing through the Nikiszowiec district of Katowice and finishing under the Spodek arena.

The fifth stage of the Tour de Pologne will most likely end with a sprint finish, featuring riders such as the aforementioned Olav Kooij (Team Visma | Lease a Bike) – yesterday’s stage winner – former world champion Mads Pedersen (Lidl-Trek), Sam Bennett (Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale), Tim Merlier (Soudal – Quick Step), and many others, including Stanisław Aniołkowski of Cofidis, who finished sixth yesterday.

The stage prepared by the organizers will, however, encourage attacks, and we saw yesterday that riders like Matej Mohoric were keen on accelerations. Considering the relatively small differences in the ORLEN general classification, we can expect active riding, numerous attacks, and the formation of a strong breakaway. Today’s stage is unpredictable, and additionally, the riders will start it without radio communication with their sports directors. It’s going to be exciting!