The Last Mountain Opportunity – Preview of Stage 6

Only two stages remain in the 82nd Tour de Pologne UCI WorldTour. Today, the riders will tackle the mountains for the final time. The stage from BUKOVINA Resort to Bukowina Tatrzańska will feature demanding climbs, and the Harnaś Wall and BUKOVINA Wall could bring significant changes in the ORLEN General Classification.

After five days of racing, the fight for the ORLEN General Classification in the 82nd Tour de Pologne UCI WorldTour is still wide open. Paul Lapeira of Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale leads, but riders such as Victor Langellotti (INEOS Grenadiers) and Jan Christen (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) are within striking distance. Anything can still happen, making today’s stage one to watch.

The “Queen” stage from BUKOVINA Resort to Bukowina Tatrzańska will follow a familiar route with climbs that punish the slightest weakness. The peloton will take on three laps, each featuring two brutally difficult ascents – the Harnaś Wall in Rzepiska and the BUKOVINA Wall in Gliczarów, both classified as PZU Category 1 Mountain Primes.

The final ascent of the BUKOVINA Wall will be dedicated to Joachim Halupczok, former world champion and Olympic silver medalist. Along the way, riders can also score points at the LOTTO Sprint Primes in Szaflary and Biały Dunajec, as well as at the Soudal Special Prime in Rzepiska. The total distance is 147.5 kilometres, promising dynamic and exciting racing.

The Bukowina Tatrzańska and BUKOVINA Resort stage is called the “Queen Stage” for good reason. Past winners here include great champions such as Rafał Majka, Remco Evenepoel, Matej Mohorič, João Almeida, Bauke Mollema, Simon Yates, and last year, Thibau Nys.

To win this stage, a rider must excel in mountainous terrain and also possess a strong finishing kick – in the case of a small group sprint among the best climbers, this could be decisive. Many contenders could take the victory, but especially aggressive riding is expected from UAE Team Emirates-XRG with Jan Christen, Rafał Majka, and Brandon McNulty, all still in the top positions of the ORLEN General Classification.

Bahrain Victorious riders – Pello Bilbao and 4th-placed Antonio Tiberi – could also be active, while Paul Lapeira of Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale will be fighting to defend his leader’s jersey. This is the riders’ last chance to gain precious seconds over their rivals before tomorrow’s time trial.

The ceremonial start is scheduled at BUKOVINA Resort at 12:40, with the winner expected around 16:30. The 82nd Tour de Pologne UCI WorldTour is broadcast on TVP, Eurosport, and HBO Max, reaching fans in 65 countries.