The Energa Best Sprinter Classification showcased the challenges of the 81st TdP

The results of the Energa Grupa ORLEN Best Sprinter Classification in the 81st Tour de Pologne demonstrate how demanding this year’s route was. The winner was a climber, Italy’s Diego Ulissi from UAE Team Emirates, and the second place went to the ORLEN general classification winner, Jonas Vingegaard (Team Visma | Lease a Bike).

At the finish lines of the seven stages of the 81st Tour de Pologne, riders fought not only for stage victories but also for points for the Energa Grupa ORLEN Best Sprinter Classification. The winner of this classification was awarded a white jersey. On the first day, it was claimed by the outstanding Thibau Nys (Lidl-Trek), who showcased his talent in a small group sprint on the Orlinek in Karpacz to take victory.

However, by the time of the individual time trial stage, he wore the yellow jersey of the ORLEN overall classification leader, while the white jersey went to Wilco Kelderman, the second-placed rider from Team Visma | Lease a Bike. Unfortunately, due to a crash, the Dutchman could not contest the victory, which was taken by Tim Wellens (UAE Team Emirates), who beat Jonas Vingegaard (Team Visma | Lease a Bike) — the two-time Tour de France winner. The Dane became the new leader of the Energa Grupa ORLEN Best Sprinter Classification.

The following day, Diego Ulissi from UAE Team Emirates took the white jersey. The Italian was the first to start the sprint on the climb to Jamrozowa Polana in Duszniki-Zdrój but was overtaken in the final stretch by the brilliant Thibau Nys.

The tough start to the Tour de Pologne and the battle among race favorites on each of the first three stages made it difficult for sprinters — who came to the fore in the following days — to compete in the best sprinter classification. The final standings were to be decided on the “queen” stage, with the finish at the BUKOVINA Resort.

Thibau Nys completed a hat trick there, once again finishing ahead of Diego Ulissi. The Italian extended his lead over Jonas Vingegaard to 3 points and remained the leader of the Energa Grupa ORLEN Best Sprinter Classification. The next day, he was not only able to celebrate his second place in the general classification but also winning the white jersey. “When I arrived in Poland, I didn’t think I could finish the Tour de Pologne on the podium, so I’m very happy about that,” the Italian said after the 81st Tour de Pologne concluded.