On the Route to Independence

November 11 is a special day for us – a moment when we think of Poland with gratitude and pride. Of her history, of the people who fought for freedom, and of how we can celebrate that freedom today – also through cycling.

From the very beginning, the Tour de Pologne has been part of that story. It was born in 1928, in a young, reborn Poland, out of the desire to build community and share the joy of being together. Over the decades – despite difficult times – our race endured, evolved, and matured along with the country. Today, as we bring together generations of fans and riders from all over the world, we still remember where we came from.

Along the route of our race are places that are part of Poland’s identity: Radzymin and Warsaw, where events crucial to our independence took place; Grunwald, Gdańsk, Kraków with Wawel, and Oświęcim – where we always pause in thought and in heart.

In 2016, we rode the “Trail of History,” recalling the Battle of Warsaw, and in the following years, the Tour de Pologne accompanied the commemorations of the Silesian Uprisings and the 100th anniversary of Poland’s regained independence. For us, this is more than just a symbol – it is a commitment to preserving memory.

Through broadcasts and the presence of fans along the routes, we can together show how beautiful and diverse Poland is – not only in landscape, but in spirit. For us, it is an honor that the Tour de Pologne has become part of the national story about strength, unity, and passion.

Today, on Independence Day, we think of all those who made it possible for us to live in a free country – and we proudly say: in every stage of our race beats the sporting heart of Poland.