Polish Leaders Ready for Battle – Emotional Team Presentation Ahead of the 82nd Tour de Pologne

The official team presentation for the 82nd edition of the Tour de Pologne UCI WorldTour took place at the Hala Stulecia in Wrocław. One day before the racing begins, fans had the chance to see the biggest stars of the peloton up close – including the top Polish contenders. Michał Kwiatkowski, Rafał Majka, and Stanisław Aniołkowski not only appeared before the crowd but also shared their emotions and plans for the upcoming week of racing.

Kwiatkowski Returns with Relief and Cautious Optimism

Michał Kwiatkowski (INEOS Grenadiers) admitted that getting back to racing after an injury and a long break was a huge relief for him.

“I feel a great sense of relief being back. Yesterday’s race in San Sebastian was important – of course, I would’ve liked to return in grand style, but after a 4.5-month break and very short preparations, I’m just happy I got through the first race,” said Kwiatkowski.

He emphasized that he’s not putting too much pressure on himself:

“I’m not setting overly ambitious goals. The most important thing is to finish the race safely and return to full form. Polish fans always give me strength – I’ll try to give something back out on the road.”

Majka Aims to Finish with Class: “I Want My Legs to Remember I Was at the Front”

For Rafał Majka (UAE Team Emirates), this year’s Tour de Pologne will be his last professional appearance in the race.

“I want to finish my career at the top, in good shape. I want my legs to remember that I was at the front, that I had the power and joy of racing,” said an emotional Majka.

He made the decision to retire earlier this year and now wants to focus on enjoying the final moments.

“I’m in good form – I’ve done 12 days of altitude training. Tour de Pologne is a special race for me – I won it in 2014, and now we’re heading back to Bukowina. I want to feel that atmosphere again.”

Aniołkowski Targets the Sprint: “I’d Love to Take My First WorldTour Win Here”

Stanisław Aniołkowski (Cofidis) announced his intention to fight on the flat stages – particularly the first and fourth.

“The first stage is a classic sprint, and the fourth is more demanding, but I can manage short climbs. Tour de Pologne is special to me – it’s a home race, in front of Polish fans.”

After a challenging season that didn’t go as planned, Aniołkowski arrives at the race highly motivated:

“I haven’t won a WorldTour race yet – I’d love for that to happen here. I have full team support, I’m the only sprinter in the lineup, and I want to take advantage of that.”

It All Starts Tomorrow!

The first stage kicks off on August 4th, and over the course of the week, riders will make their way from Wrocław to Bukowina Tatrzańska. Polish fans can expect plenty of emotion, and Polish riders – the kind of support that might just give them wings. Who will win the general classification of the ORLEN 82nd Tour de Pologne will be revealed on August 10th – after the time trial near the Wieliczka Salt Mine.

Photo: Andrzej Gucwa