A Thrilling Finale in Wieliczka and a Spectacular Triumph for Marco Brenner

The final 7th stage of the 83rd edition of the Tour de Pologne brought incredible twists and turns along the 12.5-kilometer individual time trial, starting and finishing at the “Wieliczka” Salt Mine. Under superb weather conditions – 27 degrees Celsius, full sunshine, and virtually no wind – the riders faced an unforgiving battle against the clock. The last rider rolled off the start ramp at 4:14 PM, and high-stakes drama unfolded right from the start.

Stage victory went to Switzerland’s Stefan Küng (Tudor Pro Cycling Team), who covered the course in 14’25” at an average speed of 51.9 km/h, edging out Finn Fisher-Black and Callum Thornley (both Red Bull – BORA – hansgrohe) by just four hundredths of a second. However, it was his teammate, Marco Brenner, who stole the show. The young German delivered the time trial of his life (14’37”, earning 7th place on the stage), launching a dramatic leap in the standings to seal his victory in both the ORLEN General Classification and the Lang Team Points Classification.

“Was this the time trial of my life? The short answer is yes. It was a perfect day for me. I knew I had a huge opportunity– if everything went well, winning the general classification was within my reach. I knew my potential from the past; although it slipped a bit in recent years, I put a ton of work into time trial bike training again this year. I’m thrilled that everything came together perfectly today. The turning point was the second tough stage, where I finished second. A day earlier, I was involved in a crash and didn’t know how things would unfold, but I didn’t give up. I showed that I’m one of the best climbers and believed I could fight for a podium or another big result. However, I only truly believed in the overall win yesterday after the stage when I saw my great starting position ahead of the time trial,” a thrilled Marco Brenner recounted at the finish line.

The German rider added that while he had a quick flight home to catch, he leaves Poland with unforgettable memories:

“I didn’t win a single stage here, but the ultimate success is the result of consistent riding at the very front every day. I’m much happier about the leader’s jersey than winning the points classification. Today I still must catch my flight, and what I’ve achieved will probably sink in over the next few days. The best part for me was yesterday’s route– beautiful surroundings and so many amazing fans. Polish people are truly wonderful. I raced here back in 2022 and had great memories, so I was really looking forward to returning. The entire race was brilliantly organized. Will I come back next year? We’ll see what plans the team prepares, but I would love to return.”

Time trial winner Stefan Küng was equally delighted after a race filled with breakthrough moments:

“I felt really great all week, which is why I was so determined to fight for the win today. And I pulled it off! I’m extremely happy and, to be honest, deeply moved. In my previous race, I had a nasty crash—I broke my femur and was out of racing for a very long time. At one point, I even doubted whether I’d ever return to the top level. Winning the final stage of the Tour de Pologne feels almost unbelievable. Right after crossing the finish line, I called my family and the physiotherapist who put so much work into my recovery. This is without a doubt one of the most beautiful victories of my career. I raced here last year as well, and I really love this race and Poland itself. We had a great week with the whole team—Marco rode amazingly, turned the tide of the competition, and won the general classification, so the day couldn’t have turned out better for us. I’m proud of my teammates and thankful to the organizers for putting together such a great race with a fantastic route.”

Poles on the Course: Kwiatkowski’s Determination and Gruszczyński’s Promising Performance

The course in Wieliczka also brought final resolutions in the competition among Polish riders. A very strong performance was delivered by Michał Kwiatkowski (Netcompany INEOS), whose time of 15’02” made him the highest-placed Polish rider on Stage 7. The decorated cyclist emphasized how much energy he draws from domestic fans and outlined his upcoming plans for the season:

“My motivation is at one hundred percent. From the beginning of the season, my plan was to prepare for the World Championships through the Canadian classics– Québec and Montréal. I have over four weeks to catch my breath and train, and after the World Championships, I’d like to ride a few more classics and perhaps the European Championships. It will be a long journey, almost like a grand tour in terms of racing days, but I enjoy racing in Canada. Injuries and tough moments are part of my life. I do what I love, give one hundred percent every day, and I don’t see myself in any other role right now. That’s the example I want to set for the kids at my academy and for my daughters – you must approach everything professionally. What I will remember most from the Tour de Pologne is how recognizable I am and how amazingly the Polish fans support me. Sitting on the bus alongside riders like Egan Bernal or Geraint Thomas, I take immense pleasure in representing Poland and want to give that support back on the road. My rule is simple: hard work over a long period, never giving up, and doing what I do best.”

Meanwhile, the highest-placed Pole in the General Classification was Filip Gruszczyński (Polish National Team), who completed the race in a strong 25th place overall. The young national team rider summarized his start with perspective and a smile:

“I rate the race very positively – the bike from my dad worked great, and the time trial result was quite okay relative to my preparation. I leave with the title of top Pole, satisfaction, and the conviction that I can compete with the world’s elite. I’ll remember the great atmosphere, crowds of fans, and the personalized gingerbreads featuring the Tour de Pologne logo and my name that our team received. I don’t intend to keep them as souvenirs – I’m going to enjoy eating them over the next few days.”

Final standings were also settled in the other classifications: Walter Calzoni (Pinarello Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team) defended the PZU white jersey with blue polka dots as best climber, while Radosław Frątczak (Polish National Team) sealed victory in the most active rider competition, taking the Lotto blue jersey on the podium.

Stage 7 Results (Wieliczka – 12.5 km ITT)

• 1. Stefan Küng (Tudor Pro Cycling Team) – 14’25” (avg. 51.9 km/h)
• 2. Finn Fisher-Black (Red Bull – BORA – hansgrohe) – 14’29” (+0.04″)
• 3. Callum Thornley (Red Bull – BORA – hansgrohe) – 14’29” (+0.04″)
• 4. Iván Romeo (Movistar Team) – 14’30”
• 5. Magnus Sheffield (Netcompany INEOS) – 14’34”
• 6. Arthur Kluckers (Tudor Pro Cycling Team) – 14’35”
• 7. Marco Brenner (Tudor Pro Cycling Team) – 14’37”
• 8. Ethan Hayter (Soudal Quick-Step) – 14’39”
• 9. Artem Shmidt (Netcompany INEOS) – 14’39”
• 10. Sjoerd Bax (Pinarello Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team) – 14’40”
• Best Pole on Stage 7 (Sponsored by Orlen Vitay): Michał Kwiatkowski (Netcompany INEOS) – 15’02”

Final Winners of the 83rd Tour de Pologne Classifications

• ORLEN General Classification (Yellow Jersey): Marco Brenner (Tudor Pro Cycling Team)
• Lang Team Points Classification (White Jersey): Marco Brenner (Tudor Pro Cycling Team)
• PZU Mountain Classification (White Jersey with Blue Polka Dots): Walter Calzoni (Pinarello Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team)
• LOTTO Most Active Rider Classification (Blue Jersey): Radosław Frątczak (Polish National Team)
• DECATHLON team classification: TEAM VISMA | LEASE A BIKE
• Best Pole in the Overall Classification: Filip Gruszczyński (Polish National Team) – 25th place in GC

A Time-Honored Tradition and State Patronage

The presence of the President of the Republic of Poland, Karol Nawrocki, at the winners’ award ceremony reflected the highest respect for the riders’ grit, the organizers’ dedication, and the fans’ passion. It directly aligns with decades of state patronage over the national race. The Honorary Patronage of the Head of State over the Tour of Poland is a tradition dating back to the interwar period and the era of President Ignacy Mościcki. This distinguished role was continued by all presidents of free Poland after 1989: Lech Wałęsa, Aleksander Kwaśniewski, Lech Kaczyński, Bronisław Komorowski, and Andrzej Duda, and today this tradition is carried forward by President Karol Nawrocki.

The extension of presidential patronage over the Tour de Pologne across generations and regardless of political context proves that the national race is a universal treasure. It stands as an expression of patriotism, an exceptional showcase for Poland worldwide, and an endorsement of core sporting values: perseverance, the pursuit of excellence, mutual respect, and clean fair-play competition.

Summarizing this remarkable week, General Director Czesław Lang pointed to the organizational success, geographical scope, and building of a national brand ahead of the upcoming centenary:

“It was undoubtedly a magnificent week. The route change and moving from north to south through places we hadn’t visited in nearly 20 years – from Kashubia through Koszalin to the southern stages and Wieliczka – proved to be a total hit. Hundreds of thousands of fans waving white-and-red flags welcomed us along the entire route, showing that Poles have a world-class event that rivals races in Italy, France, or Spain. Sportingly, the Tour de Pologne belongs to the absolute global elite– we witnessed major victories by Jonathan Milan, the birth of new cycling talents, and thrilling competition right down to the wire, where podium places were decided by just three seconds in the time trial. Equally important for us is the promotional dimension: showcasing Poland’s beauty through five-hour daily live broadcasts on TVP and Eurosport. I am delighted that after 34 years of our work, this race is not only deeply cherished by the public but also recognized at the highest state level. The visit of President Karol Nawrocki and his honorary patronage– honoring a tradition dating back to 1928– is an immense honor for us. The success of this race is thanks to thousands of people: sponsors, services, media, and above all, the wonderful fans. In two years, we celebrate our centenary, and we’ve proven that we have a fantastic Polish brand that everyone can be proud of.”

Ahead lies another historic milestone for organizers, riders, and fans alike – the approaching centenary of the race’s first edition in 2028. The success of this year’s 83rd Tour de Pologne, broadcast to 65 countries via Telewizja Polska, Eurosport, and HBO Max, confirms that blending professionalism, passion, and state support creates an event that continuously builds national pride and unites all Poles.

A Shadow of Sorrow over the Race Finale

The final stage of competition also unfolded under the shadow of very sad news for the entire sports community. Overnight, on his 83rd birthday and following a six-month battle with cancer, Włodzimierz Rezner passed away.

For decades, he was a distinguished, widely respected voice of Polish cycling, commenting on the Peace Race on radio and numerous domestic events, including many years at the Tour de Pologne. His passion and iconic broadcasting style will forever remain in the hearts of sports fans.