We have learned which teams from outside the UCI WorldTour will take part in this year’s 83rd Tour de Pologne. Alongside teams from the global elite, the Swiss squads Pinarello-Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team and Tudor Pro Cycling Team will stand at the start, as well as the Polish national team, which has been present on the route of the largest cycling race in this part of Europe for years.

​From August 3-9, 2026, the global cycling elite will once again visit Poland. Leading teams will participate in the 83rd Tour de Pologne UCI WorldTour. Due to the rank of the event, all teams with a UCI WorldTour license are once again on the team list.

​According to the regulations of the International Cycling Union, the best teams of the second division from the previous season also have the right to start in events of the highest category – which the Tour de Pologne UCI WorldTour is. Two Swiss teams took advantage of the mandatory invitation: Pinarello-Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team, whose colors are represented by the likes of Kamil Małecki and Tom Pidcock, as well as Tudor Pro Cycling Team. In the second of these teams, managed by the former outstanding cyclist Fabian Cancellara, ride such stars as two-time world champion Julian Alaphilippe and Marc Hirschi.

​In addition to the two UCI ProTeams, Lang Team and Czesław Lang have again decided to invite the Polish national team, thus giving the White-and-Reds from smaller teams the opportunity to compete at the highest level.

​This year’s race will be held under the slogan “North-South, connecting the sea with the mountains. The competition will once again be broadcast on TVP, Eurosport and the HBO Max streaming platform, reaching viewers in 65 countries.

Artykuł Wildcards for the 83rd Tour de Pologne have been awarded! pochodzi z serwisu Tour de Pologne.

On April 21, 2026, a special event was held at the Czesław Lang Primary School in Kołczygłowy, dedicated to the presentation of the Czesław Lang SECTOR and the Special Prize named in his honor, both of which will be part of the route of the first stage of the 83rd edition of the race.

The meeting is part of the intensive preparations for this year’s Tour de Pologne, particularly for Stage 1, which will start in Gdynia and, after 240 km, finish in Koszalin, passing through the hometown region of Czesław Lang.

The special SECTOR will include the following towns and villages: Parchowo, Gołczewo, Jeleńcz, Półczno, Łąkie, Mokrzyn, Mądrzechowo, Bytów (LOTTO Intermediate Sprint), Dąbie, Gostkowo, Kartkowo, Unichowo, Budowo, Motarzyno, Gałąźnia Wielka, Gałąźnia Mała, Świelubie, Górki, Wierszyno, Radusz, Barnowo, Kołczygłowy (Czesław Lang Special Prize), Jezierze, and Suchorze.

The conference gathered a wide range of guests representing local governments, regional institutions, the educational and sports communities, media, and public services. Among those were the Mayor of Kołczygłowy Municipality, Artur Kalinowski; the Headmaster of the Czesław Lang Primary School in Kołczygłowy, Krzysztof Stępień; representatives of the Marshal’s Office of the Pomeranian Voivodeship; a representative of the Pomeranian Voivode; the Honorary Consul of France and Tour de Pologne ambassador Alain Mompert; and former professional cyclist Tomasz Marczyński. A particularly distinguished guest was Czesław Lang himself – the director of the Tour de Pologne, the school’s patron, and the initiator of the event.

In the second part of the event, students were treated to a special surprise. A ceremonial presentation of the school’s new logo, funded by Czesław and Elżbieta Lang, took place. During the ceremony, the symbolism of the emblem and the history of its creation were presented, followed by the official unveiling of the school’s crest.

The event highlights the strong ties between the region and cycling, as well as the importance of the Tour de Pologne in promoting local communities and their heritage.

The Tour de Pologne UCI WorldTour is one of the most important events in the cycling calendar and the largest race in this part of Europe. Each year, the world’s best teams come to Poland to compete for stage victories as well as for success in individual classifications, including the ORLEN General Classification. The 83rd edition of the race will take place from August 3 to 9. The competition will be broadcast on TVP Sport, TVP1, Eurosport, and the HBO Max streaming platform.

Artykuł Stage one of the 83rd TdP featuring the Czesław Lang sector pochodzi z serwisu Tour de Pologne.

Soudal, a global leader in the production of polyurethane foams and a leading supplier of sealants, adhesives, and construction chemicals, has once again become an Official Partner of the Tour de Pologne UCI WorldTour, one of the largest cycling races in this part of Europe.

There are brands that are permanently associated with cycling sponsorship. One of them is Soudal, which has been present in the peloton for years, including during the Tour de Pologne UCI WorldTour. The Soudal brand has once again been named an Official Partner of the Polish race.

The Belgian corporation is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year. It is the world leader in the production of aerosol polyurethane foams and a major supplier of sealants, adhesives, and roof chemical products. It is also a pioneer in comprehensive systems for energy-efficient construction.

The collaboration between Tour de Pologne and Soudal is the result of a shared vision and values focused on promoting cycling and a healthy lifestyle. One of the world’s top teams – Soudal Quick-Step – will once again stand at the start of the 83rd Tour de Pologne, with riders motivated to fight for victory on Polish roads.

Last year, Paul Magnier, a rider for the Soudal-sponsored team, secured a stage victory in Cieszyn. In Poland, the team competed in specially designed T-Rex Quick-Step jerseys, promoting one of the brand’s flagship products.

The continued partnership with Soudal demonstrates the immense value of the Tour de Pologne UCI WorldTour. The race holds a reputation as one of the most important events on the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) calendar. Thanks to broadcasts on Telewizja Polska, Eurosport, and the HBO Max streaming platform, it reaches millions of fans in Poland and across the globe.

Artykuł Soudal Named Official Partner of the 83rd Tour de Pologne UCI WorldTour pochodzi z serwisu Tour de Pologne.

The upcoming 83rd edition of the Tour de Pologne UCI WorldTour promises once again to be an exceptional spectacle. The race will be held under the slogan “North-South,” connecting coastal routes with mountain peaks. The world’s best cyclists will traverse Poland from top to bottom, competing for a valuable victory in the most important cycling event in this part of Europe.

With four months still to go until the start of the 83rd Tour de Pologne UCI WorldTour, preparations for the race are already in full swing. The the competition of top riders will return to the north of Poland. On August 3rd, the race will set off from Gdynia, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary. A day earlier, the official team presentation will take place on the famous ship ORP “Błyskawica.”

The slogan and theme for this year’s edition will be “North-South.” From the Baltic Sea, the world’s best cyclists will travel to mountainous regions, providing a unique opportunity to showcase the full range of Poland’s scenic beauty. Millions of fans gathered along the route and in front of their televisions will witness high-level competition played out in charming corners of Poland.

Thanks to the cooperation with Telewizja Polska (TVP), Eurosport, and the HBO Max streaming platform, coverage of the 83rd Tour de Pologne will once again reach audiences in 65 countries worldwide. Organized by Lang Team, the event has for years served as a perfect showcase for Poland, combining sporting excitement with tourism promotion.

The race will invariably remain part of the prestigious UCI WorldTour, guaranteeing a start list rich with the world’s best teams and top riders. In the past, the likes of Jonas Vingegaard and Remco Evenepoel have triumphed in Poland, and last year, the American Brandon McNulty proved to be the best in the ORLEN General Classification, the Main Sponsor of the race.

The formula of racing from the north to the south of Poland ensures that the stage routes will be diverse. Fans will witness both thrilling bunch finishes and battles among the favorites on mountainous and hilly roads. The 83rd Tour de Pologne UCI WorldTour will take place from August 3rd to 9th, 2026.

Artykuł 83rd Tour de Pologne under the slogan “North-South” pochodzi z serwisu Tour de Pologne.

The LOTTO brand, owned by Totalizator Sportowy, will remain for the next two years as the Strategic Partner of the Tour de Pologne UCI WorldTour and the Partner of the Most Active Rider LOTTO Classification.

“For 13 years, Totalizator Sportowy has been with us. The blue jersey of the Most Active Rider LOTTO has become a permanent part of fans’ awareness, and every year the competition for it brings a lot of excitement,” says Czesław Lang, General Director of the Tour de Pologne UCI WorldTour.

“Totalizator Sportowy has supported Polish sport for years, and thanks to its support of the Tour de Pologne, we can showcase our beautiful country to the whole world. Thanks to our presence in the UCI WorldTour calendar, we are among the biggest cycling events, and we are glad that we can develop and achieve our goals together with Totalizator Sportowy. Both Polish riders and cyclists from foreign teams compete for the blue jersey of the Most Active Rider LOTTO,” he adds.

“There is no other race like the Tour de Pologne, which is why we are delighted to continue our support for this unique cycling initiative that runs through the most beautiful regions of Poland. The 70th anniversary of Totalizator Sportowy, which we are currently celebrating, is a perfect opportunity to highlight how powerful a pillar of Polish sport and culture our company is. Our long-term partnership with the Tour de Pologne is not only an expression of this commitment, but also a part of the great sporting heritage of Totalizator Sportowy, the owner of the LOTTO brand,” says Beata Stelmach, President of the Management Board of Totalizator Sportowy.

Totalizator Sportowy is celebrating the 70th anniversary of its operations. The company supports Polish sport through a subsidy system in 2025 alone, it contributed more than PLN 1.3 billion to the Physical Culture Development Fund, and since 1994 the total has exceeded PLN 19.3 billion. In addition, Totalizator Sportowy invests its own funds in supporting numerous nationwide initiatives, including the Polish Ekstraklasa football league, the LOTTO Table Tennis Superliga, and many other projects led by the Tour de Pologne. The company also cooperates with individual athletes such as Robert Lewandowski, Andrzej Bargiel, and Aleksandra Mirosław. It is also a patron of the Służewiec Horse Racing Track.

The Tour de Pologne UCI WorldTour is one of the most important events in the cycling calendar and the largest race in this part of Europe. Every year, top teams come to Poland, competing both for stage victories and for triumphs in individual classifications, including the Most Active Rider LOTTO classification. The 83rd edition of the race will take place from August 3–9. The competition will be broadcast on TVP, Eurosport, and the HBO Max streaming platform.

Artykuł LOTTO stays with us for longer! pochodzi z serwisu Tour de Pologne.

On March 30 at 1:00 PM, a press conference was held in Koszalin, combined with the ceremonial signing of an agreement to host the finish of Stage 1 of the 83rd Tour de Pologne UCI WorldTour. The event was attended by Tomasz Sobieraj, Mayor of Koszalin, and Czesław Lang, General Director of the race.

The first stage of this year’s Tour de Pologne UCI WorldTour will begin on August 3 in Gdynia, at Kościuszko Square, from where the riders will set off on a route through the Pomerania region, finishing in Koszalin after a demanding and dynamic stage. It will be a day suited to riders who excel in technical finales, promising a spectacular contest right down to the final meters.

Hosting the finish in Koszalin is the result of cooperation between Czesław Lang and Mayor Tomasz Sobieraj. This partnership is based on a shared vision of using sport as a tool to promote the city and the region. As one of Europe’s most important cycling events, the Tour de Pologne has for years consistently showcased the diversity and beauty of Poland—from coastal landscapes to rapidly developing cities.

“I am pleased to see Koszalin appear on the Tour de Pologne map. We start in Gdynia—in the year of its 100th anniversary—and finish the stage in Koszalin, which is celebrating the 760th anniversary of receiving city rights. This gives both the start and the finish a unique, historical dimension and special setting. This stage will also be particularly sentimental for me. The route will pass through Bytów, where I began my sporting career with the ‘Baszta’ Bytów club, as well as Kołczygłowy—the town where I was born and where a school bearing my name now stands. That is why this first stage is especially close to my heart and has great personal significance for me,” said Czesław Lang.

By hosting the finish, Koszalin joins the ranks of cities staging the country’s biggest sporting events. This brings not only prestige but also tangible image and promotional benefits—the presence of the world’s top cyclists, international teams, and media provides a unique opportunity to showcase the city’s potential to a wide audience.

However, the Tour de Pologne is not only about sporting excitement but also a powerful media platform. Each stage is broadcast for over five hours on TVP Sport, Eurosport, and HBO Max. The television signal reaches more than 65 countries worldwide, meaning that Koszalin—as a host city—will become part of Poland’s global promotion and one of the key points on this summer’s cycling map.

The race is scheduled to start on August 3, 2026, while the official team presentation will take place a day earlier, on August 2. Lang Team warmly invites all fans to take part in both the opening event, the start in Gdynia, and the exciting stage finish in Koszalin.

Artykuł Koszalin to host the finish of Stage 1 of the 83rd Tour de Pologne UCI WorldTour pochodzi z serwisu Tour de Pologne.

Continuing a proven partnership is a natural direction of development for Lang Team. Grupa Transportowa remains a key link in the logistics support for all races organized by Lang Team: Tour de Pologne UCI WorldTour, Tour de Pologne Women, Tour de Pologne Junior, ORLEN Lang Team Race and ORLEN Tour de Pologne Amateurs.

Organizing a world-class cycling spectacle is an operation where every element must work perfectly – from the start village to the finish line. Logistics is not just a background here, but one of the foundations of the entire project, determining the smoothness and safety of the competition. For this reason, it is worth relying on proven partners like Grupa Transportowa, which will remain the logistics partner of the Tour de Pologne and Lang Team in 2026, providing the necessary support in organizing the races.

The Polish 4PL logistics operator with a global reach consistently builds its presence at Lang Team events, providing solutions based on experience, scale of operations, and high operational standards. Once again, Grupa Transportowa will be responsible for the logistics of the Tour de Pologne UCI WorldTour, as well as the Tour de Pologne Women, Tour de Pologne Junior, ORLEN Lang Team Race and ORLEN Tour de Pologne Amateurs. 32 trucks and their crews will hit the road, traversing the country far and wide.

As Tomasz Macherowski – CEO of Grupa Transportowa – emphasizes, the cooperation with Tour de Pologne has a much broader dimension than a classic partnership. “Sticking to cycling nomenclature – this year’s Tour de Pologne is another stage of our shared journey for us. It is something more than sponsorship for us – it is an annual operational field test. Coordinating the logistics of such a complex undertaking, with many service points, changing schedules, and time pressure, teaches us things that no commercial project can replace. Last year’s experiences have allowed us to act faster and more confidently now. This translates directly into the quality with which we serve customers – because the ability to manage complexity under unpredictable conditions is one of the most valuable competencies in logistics.”

The scale of the challenge grows along with the development of the race itself, as emphasized by Violetta Kaczmarek, Operations Director. “Handling such a large event involves a series of operational challenges – both from the equipment side and the human side. This is particularly important for this year’s edition – twice as many kilometers to cover than last year means a proportionally larger scale of the entire logistics support. Preparations started at the beginning of the year precisely because there is no room for improvisation at an event of this rank. For me as the Operations Director of Tour de Pologne, it is an annual test – and one of those projects that truly raises the bar for all our daily operations.”

From an operational perspective, precision and reliability remain key, as Marcin Koprek, Fleet Manager, says. “Thousands of kilometers, hundreds of stops, dozens of people in the field – and everything synchronized with the rhythm of the race, which does not wait. Drivers and coordinators operate under a regime of constant time pressure and precision. There is practically no margin for error – any stumble would immediately reflect on the race. This is the greatest responsibility in my team’s work. And that is exactly why, when we reach the finish line of the last stage – that satisfaction is irreplaceable”.

Czesław Lang also points out that the continuation of cooperation is based on proven foundations. “I am very happy that Grupa Transportowa remains our logistics partner. A good logistics plan is the basis for organizing our events, and the commitment and many years of experience of Grupa Transportowa are invaluable to us in this aspect. It is also particularly important to us that it is a Polish company. At Lang Team, we have always focused on quality, but also on promoting our country in the international arena”.

In practice, this means further support for the transport of the entire racing infrastructure – from security systems to technical facilities. One of the key tasks of Lang Team’s logistics partner is the transport of rider safety systems, i.e., special BOPLAN brand protective systems from Belgium to Poland. Tour de Pologne at the UCI World Tour level is a pioneer in using impact-absorbing barriers and totems that optimally protect riders during finishes and at sensitive points on the route. In total, over 650 meters of BOPLAN fencing will be used at each stage, highlighting the scale of the logistical undertaking.

Grupa Transportowa’s fleet will also be used in the organization of other races organized by Czesław Lang and the entire Lang Team, such as the Tour de Pologne Women for the world’s top female riders, the Tour de Pologne Junior, where young talents compete, or events for thousands of amateurs – the ORLEN Lang Team Race and ORLEN Tour de Pologne Amateurs. When organizing races under the Lang Team banner, Grupa Transportowa’s crews will cover twice as many kilometers as last year. Due to this, the task of the logistics partner will be even more complex, however – based on the experience from working on the previous edition – Grupa Transportowa will cope with all challenges.

Artykuł Grupa Transportowa remains the logistics partner for Tour de Pologne and Lang Team pochodzi z serwisu Tour de Pologne.

The Tour de Pologne UCI World Tour once again becomes the main partner of PEKAO BIKE EXPO and the National Bike Test 2026. The largest cycling expo in Poland is a unique meeting space for the entire community-from enthusiasts and amateurs to seasoned professionals. It is a place where sport blends with cutting-edge technology, and genuine passion meets industry knowledge and experience.

On April 11-12, the PGE Narodowy Stadium in Warsaw will become the center of cycling activity. The presence of Lang Team and Czesław Lang is a natural continuation of their long-standing commitment to the development of cycling in Poland. The partnership with PEKAO BIKE EXPO reflects a consistent effort to build a strong, modern cycling culture and to support initiatives of the highest organizational standard.

The event program offers a wide range of activities – from hands-on testing and equipment exhibitions to expert-led discussions. Participants will have the opportunity to try out the latest bike models and components. There will also be a chance to meet stars of the peloton, including Rafał Majka, Fabio Aru, and Czesław Lang – an exceptional opportunity for conversations and autographs.

A key highlight of the program will be a visit to the Lang Team zone, where a special offer and discounts on entry packages for the ORLEN Lang Team Race series will be available. The number of promotional packages is limited.

“BIKE EXPO – National Bike Test was created as a meeting place for people united by an active lifestyle and a passion for cycling,” says Arkadiusz Walus the and organizer of the event.

Artykuł Tour de Pologne becomes the main partner of PEKAO BIKE EXPO pochodzi z serwisu Tour de Pologne.

During each stage of the 83rd edition of the Tour de Pologne, the best-placed Polish rider will be rewarded. He will receive the ORLEN VITAY Prime for Best Polish Rider, further highlighting the sporting rivalry among Polish cyclists in the peloton. This is another example of ORLEN’s long-standing commitment to supporting Polish cycling and the most important stage race in Central and Eastern Europe.

For fans, it is also an opportunity to follow the performances of Polish riders even more closely as they compete against the international elite. Throughout the history of the race, they have repeatedly proven their ability to play key roles both on demanding mountain stages and in fast, dynamic sprint finishes.

Last year, the winner of the ORLEN VITAY Prime for Best Polish Rider on four stages was Rafał Majka of UAE Team Emirates – XRG. The experienced rider was the highest-placed Polish cyclist on the stages finishing in Karpacz, Zakopane and Bukowina Tatrzańska, as well as during the individual time trial around the “Wieliczka” Salt Mine.

In the flat sprint finishes, Stanisław Aniołkowski of Cofidis also delivered strong performances. The Polish sprinter was the fastest among the White-and-Reds on the stages finishing in Legnica and Cieszyn.

This year’s edition of the race will once again bring plenty of excitement in the battle between Polish riders. Fans along the route and watching on screens will be able to follow which of them proves to be the best Polish rider each day.

Artykuł ORLEN VITAY Prime for Best Polish Rider once again at the Tour de Pologne pochodzi z serwisu Tour de Pologne.

Most fans think that a photographer at a cycling race simply takes pictures. Meanwhile – as emphasized by Szymon Gruchalski, the official photographer of the Tour de Pologne – the reality looks completely different. Are you curious what a photographer’s work at a cycling race really looks like? Enjoy the read!

“I think this job looks a bit different than most people imagine. Most people believe a photographer just takes photos – which is true – but 80, if not 90 percent of my energy goes into everything else surrounding those photos,” says Szymon.

Behind every single shot there is planning, analysis, and logistics. Each stage begins long before the peloton appears on the horizon. “Preparation starts even before the stage – checking the route, where you can possibly overtake the peloton using side roads or shortcuts, where you can’t, and where you can cross the road normally. To take a good photo, sometimes you have to stop and wait for the group, take a side shot, and then overtake them again. All of this happens beforehand.”

During the race there is no room for chance. The photographer works at the very heart of the action – on a motorcycle, right next to the riders. “During the stage you have to be extremely careful because we are constantly moving close to the cyclists at high speed, alongside other vehicles, with marshals who help control the race traffic. They usually prohibit dangerous actions, and dangerous places include cities, descents, corners, and roundabouts. The riders’ safety is the priority, so we must adapt to that, which leaves us with very little space for photographing.”

Choosing a place for a photo is not a matter of chance or aesthetics, but of predicting what is about to happen. “It’s not like we take photos where we personally like most – you have to anticipate, think ahead, and sense how everything will unfold.”

Modern cycling is also a technological race. A photo must not only be good, but above all fast. Away from the fans’ eyes, another competition is taking place – between photo agencies. “Today nobody is interested in a photo seen an hour after the situation happened, so everything must be sent immediately. I always have a router in my pocket, and material is sent directly from two cameras while riding the motorcycle. All information – intermediate sprints, bonuses, breakaway of the day, finish line – everything must be transmitted instantly. Nowadays time is the priority. The exact time from when a photo is taken to when it reaches the server is measured. Agencies compete to shorten that time because newspapers or websites will use the image that appears first. That’s how an agency earns money. It’s a second race that nobody sees – between us, photographers.”

A photographer must also be ready for unpredictable situations – both those happening among the riders and, for example, the weather. Rain can be just as merciless to motorcycle photographers as it is to cyclists. “Crashes happen unexpectedly, but you can predict where they are likely to occur, and sometimes we deliberately ride behind the peloton. We wait because a crash is also news, especially if a leader or favorite is involved. We stop, take photos, but we don’t exploit the rider – we move on. We also have to anticipate the weather, checking whether there is still snow on a mountain stage in the Alps or if it will simply rain. We always carry rain gear on the motorcycle. Over the years I tried various Gore-Tex and membrane solutions, but the best thing is a five-euro poncho from Decathlon – it lets nothing through and has saved my life many times. Waterproof boots – and that’s it.”

In summary, the work of a sports photographer at the Tour de Pologne is not only about the ability to capture the perfect shot, but above all about responsibility, reflexes, planning, and resilience in harsh conditions. It is a profession where seconds matter, where anticipating events and the ability to act under pressure – often in changing weather – are essential. At the same time, it offers a unique opportunity to follow the race from the “front row,” right next to the riders. As Szymon Gruchalski’s experience shows, behind every photo fans see in the media there is invisible work, dedication, and a second parallel race – one where the finish line is the moment the photograph gets published.

Artykuł What is it like to work as a photographer at the TdP? Szymon Gruchalski about his job pochodzi z serwisu Tour de Pologne.

When the Tour de Pologne peloton rolls off the start line, we see colorful jerseys, sponsor logos, and the faces of champions. But just beneath them hides the race’s second hero – the bike.

In the 2026 season, WorldTour machines are true masterpieces of engineering: light as a feather, stiff as a rock, and as fast as sports cars. At the same time, they are packed with technology that only a few years ago seemed reserved for NASA laboratories or Formula 1.

For fans who don’t follow cycling tech news every day, the key question is simple: what really makes such a bike different from a “regular” high-end bike you can buy in a good shop? First and foremost, the material and the precision of manufacturing. Frames are built almost exclusively from carbon fiber – a composite material that delivers exceptional stiffness at minimal weight. Each carbon layer is laid according to a strictly defined plan so the bike is максимально efficient when pedaling, yet comfortable enough for long stages.

The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) has set the minimum weight limit for a road bike at 6.8 kg. That means many teams actually have to… add weight to their bikes. In practice, WorldTour machines often weigh exactly as much as the regulations allow – not a gram less. In individual time trials (TT), the bikes are heavier but even more aerodynamic – their shapes resemble airplane wings, and every detail is designed to fight air resistance.

In 2026, technology is not just about lightness and aerodynamics, but also about omnipresent electronics. Gear changes are wireless – just one click, instantaneous and with no risk of dropping the chain. The most popular groupsets are Shimano Dura-Ace and SRAM Red AXS – top-tier systems that operate with surgical precision. Rims are getting wider and deeper to slice through the air more effectively, yet remain stable even in crosswinds. Add to that ceramic bearings, aerodynamic cockpits fully integrated with the frame, and specialized tubeless tires designed to minimize rolling resistance.

How much does such a machine cost? It is estimated that a complete bike used by a WorldTour rider can cost, depending on the configuration, up to several hundred thousand złoty. On top of that come carbon wheels, an electronic drivetrain, a power meter (a system measuring how many watts a rider produces – crucial for training), a GPS bike computer, a specialized saddle, and a whole range of components individually tailored to each rider.

It is worth remembering, however, that although equipment plays a huge role, it does not win races on its own. The best bike in the world without strong legs and a courageous rider will remain just a beautiful object. At the Tour de Pologne, technology meets passion, and engineering meets human determination. And it is this combination that makes WorldTour racing so fascinating – even if we don’t dive into the fine details of groupsets and frame geometry every day.

Below is a list of the 2026 WorldTour teams and their key equipment partners:

Artykuł WorldTour Equipment 2026: Find out what your favorites will be riding at the Tour de Pologne pochodzi z serwisu Tour de Pologne.

Today marks a special anniversary – the 100th anniversary of granting city rights to Gdynia. The port city, a symbol of modernity, ambition and the maritime dreams of the Second Polish Republic, has been developing continuously for a century, writing new chapters of its history. On August 3, Gdynia will add another, sporting chapter by hosting the start of the 83rd edition of the Tour de Pologne UCI WorldTour.

– “Gdynia was a child of an independent, sovereign Republic of Poland, built on hard work, sweat, dedication and beautiful ideals” – emphasized the President of the Republic of Poland, Karol Nawrocki, during the ceremonial session of the City Council.

The return of the Tour de Pologne to the Pomerania region in 2026 will have a special, symbolic dimension. A peloton composed of the world’s best teams will begin the race in the seaside city of Gdynia, jointly celebrating the 100th anniversary of granting city rights. The last time the Tour de Pologne visited Gdynia was in 2004, when the stage finishing at Kościuszko Square was won after a spectacular sprint by Italian rider Fabio Baldato.

The 83rd Tour de Pologne UCI WorldTour will take place from August 3–9, 2026, once again ranking among the most prestigious cycling races in the world as one of 15 UCI WorldTour stage races. The best teams on the planet will line up at the start, and fans will be able to follow the competition live on TVP and Eurosport. Thanks to global broadcast coverage reaching 65 countries, the Tour de Pologne continues to promote Poland and the regions hosting the race worldwide.

Last year, the ORLEN General Classification, sponsored by the Main Sponsor of the Tour de Pologne UCI WorldTour, was won by Brandon McNulty of UAE Team Emirates.

Artykuł Gdynia celebrates 100 years of city rights. This is where the 83rd TdP UCI WorldTour will begin pochodzi z serwisu Tour de Pologne.

At the headquarters of the Polish Olympic Committee, a ceremony of the oath-taking of the members of the Polish Olympic Team for the 25th Winter Olympic Games Milano-Cortina 2026 took place on 31.01.2026. One of the event’s guests was the General Director of Lang Team, Czesław Lang, who during the Italian Olympic Games will perform the role of Olympic Attaché.

Only one week remains until the start of the 25th Winter Olympic Games Milano-Cortina 2026. From February 6 to 22, the best athletes from Poland and from all over the world will compete in Italian venues in the most important event of the four-year cycle. Traditionally, the members of the Olympic Team took part in the ceremonial oath-taking, which was held at the PKOl Olympic Center in Warsaw. Invited guests also participated in the event, including the President of the Republic of Poland Karol Nawrocki and Czesław Lang, who during the Winter Olympic Games will be the Olympic Attaché of the Polish national team.

After the singing of Polish Anthem “Mazurek Dąbrowskiego” and the playing of the “Olympic Anthem” the representatives of Poland and the members of the staff received their nominations. On behalf of the athletes, the solemn oath was read by bobsledder Klaudia Adamek, and on behalf of the coaches and staff – bobsleigh coach Dawid Kupczyk.

– Today, at the headquarters of the Polish Olympic Committee, a beautiful ceremony of the oath-taking of Olympians who will represent us during the Winter Olympic Games in Italy took place. The ceremony was attended by the President of the Republic of Poland, the President of the Polish Olympic Committee, the Ministry of Sport, and the Ambassador of Italy, it was very solemn and ceremonial. Our entire team looks beautiful, and I think we will look beautiful against the background of other countries. I will appear in the role of attaché. This is a very interesting mission and a new challenge for me. I will do everything to support our national team and to represent our country with dignity during the Winter Olympic Games Milano-Cortina – said Czesław Lang.

The Olympic mission of Czesław Lang

Together with the representatives of Poland, the General Director of Lang Team, Czesław Lang, will also fly to Italy. The silver Olympic medalist from 1980 was appointed Olympic Attaché. Using his experience and international contacts cultivated over the years, he will perform not only a representative role, but will also provide organizational and image support for the Olympic Team.

Czesław Lang also announced his active presence in the Polish House, which will become the heart of Polish support in Italy.

The first group of Polish Olympians right after the ceremony departed for Italy, where they will prepare for their first starts. The opening ceremony of the 25th Winter Olympic Games will take place on February 6 in Milan.

Artykuł Czesław Lang at the oath-taking of the Polish Olympic Team pochodzi z serwisu Tour de Pologne.

Polish cyclist Filip Maciejuk has officially signed a contract with the Spanish Movistar Team for the 2026 season. The 26-year-old rider will join the WorldTour squad for one year, becoming the 28th member of the men’s roster for the upcoming season and an important part of one of the oldest professional teams in the world.

Maciejuk is known primarily as a key domestique and a time trial specialist — he became Polish national time trial champion in both 2024 and 2025. Over the past two seasons (2024–2025), he raced for Red Bull – Bora – Hansgrohe.

In Movistar Team’s official press release, Maciejuk was praised for his strength, dedication to teamwork, and ability to control the pace of the peloton on flat stages.

For Polish cycling fans, this is significant news — Maciejuk joins an exclusive group of Poles competing at the highest WorldTour level. Alongside him are Michał Kwiatkowski (INEOS Grenadiers) and Kamil Gradek (Bahrain Victorious).

Last year, Maciejuk finished 59th overall in the ORLEN General Classification at the Tour de Pologne, but he was one of the heroes of Stage 4 to Cieszyn. The 26-year-old spent 196 kilometers in a breakaway, only to be caught on the final circuit, just before the finish line.

Artykuł Filip Maciejuk joins Movistar Team! pochodzi z serwisu Tour de Pologne.

Tonight, Polish time, the new UCI WorldTour cycling season has officially begun. As tradition dictates, the opening race is the Tour Down Under in Australia – an event that has for years marked the start of top-level international racing and provides the first indication of the form of the peloton’s leading riders.

This year’s edition of the Tour Down Under consists of a short prologue followed by five stages with a mass start. The organizers have designed a varied route that should deliver excitement for both sprinters and riders targeting the general classification. The schedule includes flat stages, ideal for the fastest riders in the peloton, as well as rolling and punchy, interval-style stages, which traditionally play a decisive role in the battle for overall victory.

The short and intense stages characteristic of the Australian race ensure that the pace is very high right from the start of the season, with minimal time gaps between riders. Every mistake can cost valuable seconds, which often prove crucial by the end of the race.

At the start of this year’s Tour Down Under, there was one Polish rider on the start line – Michał Kwiatkowski. He boasts numerous prestigious victories to his name, including winning the general classification at the Tour de Pologne in 2018. The Australian race is his first real test of form in the new season and an opportunity to compete against the world’s best riders.

The opening of the WorldTour season in Australia is a symbolic moment for the entire cycling community – after the winter break, the peloton returns to racing and fans can once again follow battles on the world’s roads. The Tour Down Under promises to be an exciting start to a long and demanding season.

Artykuł The WorldTour cycling season has begun – the Tour Down Under got underway overnight. pochodzi z serwisu Tour de Pologne.

The 2026 cycling season promises to be exceptionally exciting. According to the UCI WorldTour calendar, the series of the most important road cycling races will begin as early as January and run through to October, combining iconic Classics, the Grand Tours and prestigious stage races, led by the Tour de Pologne.

UCI WorldTour 2026 Rules

The 2026 cycling season is, of course, based on the UCI WorldTour calendar – the highest-ranked race series, governed by the UCI points classification system. All events in the series feature teams holding WorldTour licences, as well as invited ProTeams or national teams, in accordance with the wildcard allocation rules.

The best teams and riders collect UCI points that determine their position in the rankings – both individual and team classifications. These points are of crucial importance for qualification for prestigious events and for receiving invitations in subsequent seasons.

Race Calendar 2026 – Key Dates

Below is a selection of the most important races of the 2026 season, featuring the world’s top teams (based on the UCI WorldTour calendar):

January

Tour Down Under – the traditional opening of the WorldTour season, 20–25 January 2026.

March–April – The Classics

Strade Bianche – 7 March 2026

Paris–Nice and Tirreno–Adriatico – the most important spring stage races.

Milano–Sanremo – the first of the “Monuments”

Ronde van Vlaanderen – 5 April 2026

Paris–Roubaix – 12 April 2026

Liège–Bastogne–Liège – 26 April 2026

May–July

Grand Tours: Giro d’Italia, Tour de France

August

Tour de Pologne — 3–9 August 2026 — a stage race held in Poland, traditionally included in the UCI WorldTour calendar.

September–October

Grand Tour: La Vuelta a España

Il Lombardia – the final “Monument” of the season, 10 October 2026

The Tour de Pologne is one of the key WorldTour stage races — the only event of this rank in Central and Eastern Europe — and the largest cycling celebration in Poland. Beyond sporting competition, the race serves as a powerful international promotion of the country on the global cycling stage.

UCI WorldTour – 18 Strongest Teams

In the 2026 season, 18 teams holding the highest UCI licences will compete in the UCI WorldTour, guaranteeing their participation in the Tour de Pologne as well.

Key teams of 2026:

1. Alpecin–Premier Tech
2. Bahrain Victorious (Kamil Gradek)
3. Decathlon–CMA CGM
4. EF Education–EasyPost
5. Groupama–FDJ United
6. Ineos Grenadiers (Michał Kwiatkowski)
7. Lidl–Trek
8. Lotto–Intermarché
9. Movistar Team
10. NSN Cycling Team
11. Red Bull–BORA–hansgrohe
12. Soudal–Quick-Step
13. Team Jayco–AlUla
14. Team Picnic–PostNL
15. Visma–Lease a Bike
16. UAE Team Emirates XRG
17. Uno-X Mobility
18. XDS Astana Team

These teams represent the absolute world elite, with a wide range of specialisations — from general classification contenders in the Grand Tours to sprinters and Classics specialists. Their participation guarantees the highest sporting level throughout the entire UCI WorldTour calendar.

Tour de Pologne – A Cycling Festival in Poland

The Tour de Pologne is not only the best stage race in Poland, but also one of the most important cycling events in the world. Since 2005, the race has been part of the UCI WorldTour calendar, meaning that all top teams and the biggest stars of the peloton compete in it.

The event attracts thousands of fans both along the race routes and in front of television screens around the world, creating a true cycling festival. In the 2026 season, it once again confirms its prestige and its importance for Polish sport and the international cycling calendar.

Over the past several years, the Tour de Pologne has been won by such riders as Jonas Vingegaard, Matej Mohorič, João Almeida, Remco Evenepoel, Michał Kwiatkowski, Rafał Majka, Peter Sagan, Alessandro Ballan and Daniel Martin. In 2025, the winner of the ORLEN General Classification was American rider Brandon McNulty of UAE Team Emirates-XRG.

Artykuł Cycling Season 2026 – Rules, Calendar and Teams pochodzi z serwisu Tour de Pologne.

British rider Simon Yates has unexpectedly announced the end of his professional career. The cyclist representing Team Visma | Lease a Bike informed about his decision before the start of the season. He was one of the best riders specializing in stage races and also had notable successes in the Tour de Pologne UCI WorldTour.

After the 2025 season, many well-known cyclists said goodbye to the professional peloton. Among them were Rafał Majka, Elia Viviani, and Arnaud Démare. Quite unexpectedly, 33-year-old Simon Yates of Team Visma | Lease a Bike joined this group, despite having one of the best seasons of his career behind him.

“I am deeplyproud of what I have manager to achieve and equally grateful for the lessons that came with it. While the victories will always stand out, the tougher days and setbacks were just as important. They taught me reselience and patience, and made the successes mean even more” Yates wrote in his official statement.

In recent years, the Brit established himself as one of the best general classification leaders in the WorldTour peloton. Racing in the colors of Team Jayco AlUla (under various names), he won the overall classification of the Vuelta a España and claimed multiple stage victories in all three Grand Tours.

He also wrote his name into the history of the Tour de Pologne UCI WorldTour, finishing on the podium of the race twice. In 2018, he claimed a spectacular stage victory in Bukowina Tatrzańska and ultimately finished second overall, losing only to Michał Kwiatkowski. Two years later, he placed third in the general classification, once again showing great form in Bukowina Tatrzańska – this time finishing third on the stage.

Simon Yates bid farewell to cycling at the very top. As a rider for Team Visma | Lease a Bike, he achieved his long-awaited victory in the Giro d’Italia, taking over the pink jersey on the penultimate stage. He later also claimed a stage win at the Tour de France, where he played a supporting role for Jonas Vingegaard.

As the Brit admitted, he had been thinking about ending his career for quite some time, and now – as a fulfilled rider – he can head into cycling retirement.

Artykuł Simon Yates has retired pochodzi z serwisu Tour de Pologne.

As a UCI WorldTour event, the Tour de Pologne has for years attracted the biggest stars of the sport, who battle for stage victories and the overall classification. In 2025, many cycling champions brought their professional careers to an end – riders whose palmarès also included successes at the Tour de Pologne. One of them is Rafał Majka, one of the greatest Polish cyclists of all time.

The end of the season is traditionally a time of farewells to riders we will no longer see in the peloton. This year, many outstanding cyclists who for years provided fans with unforgettable emotions – also on the roads of the Tour de Pologne – retired from professional racing.

Of particular importance for Polish fans was Rafał Majka’s decision to say goodbye to the peloton. He did so in great style – in June he claimed the Polish national road race title, and in August he finished 8th in the 82nd Tour de Pologne, while also winning the Decathlon Team Classification together with his UAE Team Emirates-XRG teammates. Rafał Majka is one of the most accomplished Polish cyclists in history. His achievements include overall victory at the Tour de Pologne, three stage wins in the Polish race, an Olympic bronze medal from the road race at the Rio de Janeiro, as well as two victories in the mountains classification of the Tour de France and three individual stage wins.

The 2025 season was also the last for several outstanding sprinters and classics specialists. Among those who decided to retire were Italian European champions Elia Viviani and Giacomo Nizzolo, both of whom had repeatedly finished high and stood on stage podiums at the Tour de Pologne in the past. Both also won the points classification of the Giro d’Italia, while Elia Viviani can boast stage victories in all three Grand Tours, as well as world championship and Olympic gold medals on the track.

Among the Tour de Pologne stage winners for whom the 2025 season marked the end of their professional careers are other top sprinters as well – Arnaud Démare and Caleb Ewan. For many years, both were among the very best in fast, flat finishes. Alexander Kristoff, a winner of races such as Milan–San Remo and the Ronde van Vlaanderen, also found success on the Tour de Pologne route many times. He, too, ended his career this year.

We will miss each of these riders, but memories of their achievements – including those on Polish roads – will stay with us for a long time.

Artykuł Champions End Their Careers. Many of Them Found Success at the Tour de Pologne pochodzi z serwisu Tour de Pologne.

One of the most important riders in the history of the Tour de Pologne will stay with the team for another three years. The British WorldTour squad INEOS Grenadiers has announced that Michał Kwiatkowski has extended his contract until the end of the 2028 season.

It marks another chapter in a remarkable partnership that has lasted for over a decade and remains one of the strongest foundations of the team. Kwiatkowski, a former world champion and one of the most respected riders in the peloton, emphasises that he still feels huge motivation and joy riding in the colours of the Grenadiers, and that the team continues to be a place where he can push his limits.

“It feels natural to stay. I love the atmosphere, the people and the way we work. I still feel the same hunger and motivation every time I pin on a number,” said Kwiatkowski, highlighting his emotional bond with the team.

Michał Kwiatkowski is a truly exceptional figure in the history of the Tour de Pologne. He has repeatedly ignited the emotions of Polish fans with his performances, and his appearances in the national race have always drawn nationwide attention. His most memorable moment came in 2018, when he claimed overall victory in the general classification. His stage wins in Szczyrk and Bielsko-Biała are forever written into the history of the race.

Artykuł Michał Kwiatkowski extends his contract with INEOS Grenadiers! pochodzi z serwisu Tour de Pologne.

During the meeting of the Management Committee of the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), which took place during the Road World Championships in Rwanda, the latest rule changes were presented. One of them concerns the unification of standards for barriers used to secure sprint finishes. It is an important step towards increasing the safety of cyclists – an area that has been very important for the Tour de Pologne for many years.

According to the UCI press release, the developed specifications are to define the requirements concerning the dimensions, weight and centre of gravity of the barriers, as well as their key strength. The attachment system will have to be able to withstand the force of an impact in case of a crash, and a special test protocol will make it possible to assess the resistance of the barriers to impacts. Both the detailed technical specification and the test procedure will be made available to race organisers and manufacturers in the first half of 2026. The final stage of the work will be the development of a certification process that the barriers used at race finishes will have to meet.

Lang Team – organiser of the Tour de Pologne UCI WorldTour – has been consistently implementing the principles that are now becoming the basis of the new regulations for five years. Thanks to cooperation with the Belgian company BOPLAN, a leader in the field of safety systems, the Polish race uses innovative barriers and totems that absorb impact energy, placed in key locations. The distinctive yellow BOPLAN screens have been protecting riders during sprint finishes for five editions.

– During the Tour de Pologne UCI WorldTour we attach special importance to securing the route. We make sure that everything complies with the regulations of the Union Cycliste Internationale, which requires that the last 300 metres on both sides of the road are lined with safe barriers. Among other reasons, this is why we cooperate with the Belgian company BOPLAN, which specialises in safety systems. Logistically, it is quite an undertaking, but we have taken a step forward and we are glad that in this way we increase the safety of the riders – commented Czesław Lang, General Director of Lang Tour de Pologne.

The Tour de Pologne is the only stage race from the UCI WorldTour calendar that has been using BOPLAN safety systems for several years.

Artykuł New UCI safety regulations confirm the direction of the Tour de Pologne. “We’ve taken a step forward” pochodzi z serwisu Tour de Pologne.

Next year’s edition of the Tour de Pologne UCI WorldTour will begin in the north of Poland – in Gdynia. Poland’s biggest cycling race will thus mark the 100th anniversary of this historic port city. “This is our response to the expectations of fans and residents across the country” says the race’s General Director, Czesław Lang.

The Tour de Pologne UCI WorldTour will return to Pomerania region in 2026. The peloton, featuring the world’s top teams, will start the race in the coastal city of Gdynia, celebrating the 100th anniversary of its municipal charter. The last time the Tour de Pologne visited Gdynia was in 2004, when an exciting stage finishing on Skwer Kościuszki was won by Italy’s Fabio Baldato after a spectacular sprint.

“Next year’s 83rd Tour de Pologne UCI WorldTour will head north. This is our response to the expectations of fans and residents across the country. The Tour de Pologne guarantees great sporting excitement and is an excellent tool for promoting Poland and showcasing its beautiful regions, each with its own unique character. Just as this year’s Tour de Pologne commemorated the 1000th anniversary of the Polish Crown, next year we will be celebrating the 100th anniversary of Gdynia” says Czesław Lang, General Director of the Tour de Pologne UCI WorldTour.

“In Gdynia we will begin with a ceremonial start, and we are also in talks with the port about a special rider presentation. It will be a long and beautiful stage that will highlight the landscapes of Pomerania and Kashubia. I’m very pleased that we will begin in Gdynia, as I have very fond memories of this place. Skwer Kościuszki hosted the Navy Commander’s Cup, which I won in the final race of my amateur career. It will be a great pleasure to return there for the 83rd Tour de Pologne” adds Czesław Lang.

Next year’s 83rd Tour de Pologne will take place on 3–9 August. The race will once again join the prestigious UCI WorldTour calendar, as one of only 15 stage races of this rank. The world’s best teams will line up at the start, and fans will be able to follow the action on TVP and Eurosport, ensuring global coverage of the event. The Tour de Pologne’s broadcast signal reaches 65 countries, offering extensive promotion for Poland and the regions hosting the race.

Artykuł Tour de Pologne to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Gdynia! pochodzi z serwisu Tour de Pologne.

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.

Artykuł On the Route to Independence pochodzi z serwisu Tour de Pologne.

The Polish Olympic Committee, represented by its president Radosław Piesiewicz, has appointed Czesław Lang — General Director of the Tour de Pologne and Olympic silver medalist from Moscow 1980 — as the attaché of the Polish Olympic team for the 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Cortina d’Ampezzo (February 6–22, 2026).

The role of an Olympic attaché is not only ceremonial but also involves organizational and image-related support for the entire Olympic team. The Polish Olympic Committee has thus recognized Czesław Lang’s long-standing experience in the world of sports, his international connections, and his commitment to promoting Poland on the global stage.

“I would like to sincerely thank President Piesiewicz and the entire Olympic family for giving me this opportunity,” said Czesław Lang. “This will be my third Olympic Games. I competed as an athlete in Moscow and Montreal, and now I will attend in a new role — as attaché. I will do my best to meet all expectations and represent Poland with pride. The Games are being held in Italy — my second homeland. The Trentino region has been our partner for years in organizing the Tour de Pologne. I know the local authorities, people, and sports officials there. What makes me most happy is that I will be close to our athletes, able to advise them, share encouragement, and pass on my experience.”

Czesław Lang is one of the icons of Polish sport — an Olympic silver medalist, world championship medalist, and the first Polish professional cyclist, who raced for many years in Italian professional teams. He knows Italy very well, speaks fluent Italian, and has an extensive network of contacts in the sports world, making him an ideal candidate for the position of attaché of the Polish Olympic team.

After ending his athletic career, he created and developed the Tour de Pologne, giving it international reach and prestige. Under his leadership, the race has become one of the most important cycling events in the world and a permanent fixture in the UCI World Tour calendar.

Italy and Czesław Lang — a shared history
Italy, the host country of the upcoming Olympics, also holds a special place in Czesław Lang’s and the Tour de Pologne’s story. In 2013, the race started in the Italian region of Trentino under the slogan “From Italian soil to Poland”, symbolically linking both countries through their shared passion for cycling and sport.

Fun fact: The Tour de Pologne connects the Winter and Summer Games
The connection between the Tour de Pologne and the Olympic Games goes beyond Czesław Lang himself. In 2014, Zbigniew Bródka, Olympic champion in speed skating from Sochi, took part in the Tour de Pologne Amateurs race. It’s a beautiful example of how sport unites disciplines, generations, and the Olympic values.

Artykuł Czesław Lang appointed attaché of the Polish Olympic team for the 2026 Winter Games in Cortina d’Ampezzo pochodzi z serwisu Tour de Pologne.

The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) has published the final World Tour calendar for 2026, and naturally, the Tour de Pologne is among the listed events. Poland’s national race will take place from August 3 to 9.

Poland is one of only 13 countries worldwide—and 9 in Europe—that have the privilege of hosting a UCI World Tour event, the highest level of professional road cycling. It has held this status since the very beginning of the series, established in 2005 (originally called the UCI Pro Tour).

In 2026, the following countries will organize one-day or stage races that are part of the UCI World Tour (listed chronologically): Australia, the United Arab Emirates, Belgium, Italy, France, Spain, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Germany, Denmark, Poland, Canada, and China. Among these, only France, Italy, Spain, Belgium, and Switzerland will have more days of racing than Poland.

Over the years, the Tour de Pologne has become a global cycling brand, recognized for its continuous growth, large-scale logistics, and impressive organization. Each stage’s setup requires 20 trucks to transport the infrastructure and a team of 300 people to assemble it. Securing a 200-kilometer stage involves around 2,000 people—including police, emergency services, and volunteers.

“There’s no other event in Poland that involves so many people or promotes our country abroad as much as the Tour de Pologne.” – said Czesław Lang

Thanks to the broadcast signal produced by Telewizja Polska (TVP) and the recently renewed partnership with Eurosport, coverage of the race now reaches every continent. Eurosport alone broadcasts the event in 65 countries, with additional rights negotiated individually with other broadcasters.

“I raced in the peloton for many years, and I still have friends all over Europe,” says Czesław Lang, the race director. “They watch the Tour de Pologne, then call me to congratulate me on how much Poland has changed—our landmarks, treasures, and new roads. They see it all through our broadcasts. We work closely with the Polish Tourist Organization and with TVP to find, visit, and film the most beautiful places in advance.”

“Let me tell you more,” he adds. “Two French technicians working on the TV production team were so enchanted when we entered the Bieszczady Mountains that they immediately bought land there. They told me they couldn’t imagine living anywhere else when they retire.”

Promoting Poland has become part of the DNA of the Tour de Pologne under Lang’s leadership. His sense of history and deep-rooted patriotism have inspired him to use the race as a way to showcase his homeland and tell its story to the world — including the difficult chapters.

When the race passed by the former German concentration camp Auschwitz, riders stopped to lay flowers and pay tribute to the victims, remembering the tragic history of the
place. The 70th edition of the race was held under the motto “From Italy to Poland, in the footsteps of John Paul II.” In 2014, the event paid tribute to the heroes of the Solidarity movement, stopping at the gate of the Gdańsk Shipyard. These are just a few examples of how the Tour de Pologne intertwines sport with memory and national pride.

All of this would not be possible without the race’s long-term partners, as the budget amounts to several million euros. The Tour de Pologne has consistently attracted some of the largest brands in both Polish and international business. In 2025, the main sponsor was ORLEN, one of the Poland’s biggest companies, with Decathlon and PZU among the official sponsors, and Totalizator Sportowy as a strategic partner.

The Tour de Pologne family, however, is much larger — including other sponsors, media partners, and of course, the host cities. Thanks to their support, the race continues to evolve year after year, introducing new innovations such as a state-of-the-art fleet of Toyota and Lexus vehicles. The Japanese automotive giant — known for its long-term strategic partnerships with leading brands — provided more than 40 cars for the 2025 edition, supplied by Toyota Central Europe, Toyota Radość, and Lexus Warszawa Radość.

This year, Grupa Transportowa joined the list of official logistics partners, helping to transport 13 tons of the world’s best cycling safety systems from Belgium, produced by the company BOPLAN. A year earlier, the finish area and podium zone underwent a complete transformation. The new 13-meter-wide foldable stage allows for modern sponsor exposure and features three LED screens — the largest being five meters wide, enabling spectators to share in the excitement of the race long before the riders reach the finish line.

“We do all of this for the people,” said Czesław Lang, the race director. “I feel that few things still bring people together as strongly as sport — and especially cycling, where you don’t need a ticket; you can just stand in front of your own house and watch. The Tour de Pologne is a huge challenge — it’s often difficult to design a route that satisfies everyone or to balance the budget — but when I see those crowds, when I get reports saying that three million people lined the roads, I feel immense satisfaction. That’s what keeps me going,” Lang concluded.

The strength of the Tour de Pologne brand is confirmed by numerous awards. Poland’s national race has repeatedly been named “Event of the Year” in the Przegląd Sportowy Plebiscite. The organizer, Lang Team, has also received prestigious honors such as the Demes Award and the Teraz Polska distinction.

Artykuł Tour de Pologne remains in the World’s Elite – a global brand in constant growth pochodzi z serwisu Tour de Pologne.

– “He was my mentor, my role model. For all young talents. This is a man you should follow,” said the legendary Tadej Pogacar about Rafał Majka. Such a farewell from the 2014 Tour de Pologne winner, delivered by today’s most outstanding cyclist in the world, perfectly illustrates how much Majka meant in the global peloton.

Majka retired with a wardrobe full of medals, but if one tried to gather in a single place all the trophies he earned for his leaders and teams, even a three-room apartment might not suffice. He won the biggest races in the world alongside them, yet he always emphasized that the most special emotions awaited him on Polish roads.

He first competed in the Tour de Pologne in 2011. Over the next 15 years, he returned to the home roads 10 times. – “I can’t guarantee victories. But I can promise that whenever Majka is in the Tour de Pologne, there will always be a show and fun,” he once said.

– “I’ve never experienced anything like it in 2014 at the Tour de Pologne,” he said a few months after his victory. – “Fans on every meter of the route, shouting ‘Rafał’, ‘Majka’. I always dreamed of racing in front of my loved ones and friends. Winning in front of them is indescribable.”

In 2014, life wasn’t easy. He arrived in Poland as a huge star, shortly after his performance in the Tour de France, which had made him known nationwide. Twenty-one years after Zenon Jaskuła, he won a stage in the Alps and shortly after another in the Pyrenees. He landed in Warsaw with the King of the Mountains helmet – in red polka dots – attached to his backpack, greeted by cameras and a crowd of journalists.

– “I don’t know how much fuel is left in my legs. But I’ll do my best to keep them turning in the Tatras too,” he winked.

The race started in Gdańsk, and Majka was welcomed by crowds in red polka-dot jerseys, shouting “Go, go!” – the famous motto of Tomasz Jaroński and Krzysztof Wyrzykowski from EuroSport broadcasts.

The Polish rider handed out thousands of autographs and rode strategically, waiting for his chance in the mountains. The entire Tinkoff-Saxo team was programmed for his success. Before the 5th stage from Zakopane to Štrbské Pleso, they set a very strong pace and planned Rafał’s attack in the final meters – a strategy he executed perfectly. Once again, the Polish cyclist won the Tour de Pologne, 11 years after his previous victory. Fans were ecstatic, and Majka’s triumph made front-page news.

The next day in Bukowina, he struck again, winning the second stage. Just 24 hours later, he celebrated an overall victory, becoming the first Polish rider to do so in the World Tour era.

– “I feel incredible satisfaction. We built a beautiful theater in Poland, where the best actors from around the world performed. It’s a huge joy that Polish cyclists also began to step onto this stage, that they had a place to shine. And finally, the day came when they played lead roles,” said Czesław Lang.

Majka never forgot the Tour de Pologne after that triumph. He returned to Polish roads whenever his race schedule allowed, unless it clashed with the Olympic Games or the challenging combination of the Tour de France and the Vuelta a España. In tribute to Rafał, organizers occasionally routed stages through his hometown of Zegartowice, where the peloton was welcomed by his first coach, Zbigniew Klęk, and his protégés from the Krakus Swoszowice club.

Over time, the race became into a family festival for the Majkas. First his daughter Maja, and later his son Oliwier, joined him on the podium, while his wife Magda watched from the sidelines.

– “This is a special place for me, and it’s hard to say goodbye to it,” Majka said a few months ago at the Wieliczka finish after watching a film prepared for him. – “And this is certainly not the last time we’ll see each other. I will always return here with joy – just no longer on a bike.”

Polish fans will certainly never forget Rafał and his fighting spirit.

Artykuł Rafał Majka a remarkable actor in the Tour de Pologne theatre pochodzi z serwisu Tour de Pologne.

An outstanding Polish cyclist, Olympic medalist and overall winner of the Tour de Pologne UCI World Tour — Rafał Majka — will end his career this Saturday. The final race for the popular “Zgred” will be the Italian monument Il Lombardia.

For years, he has brought great joy to Polish fans with his riding — both at home and in the biggest international races. He won the overall classification of the Tour de Pologne UCI World Tour and three stages of the Polish race, twice became the best climber of the Tour de France, where he also triumphed on three stages. His achievements include an Olympic bronze medal from Rio de Janeiro, third place in the Vuelta a España and top results in the general classification of other Grand Tours.

We are talking about Rafał Majka, one of the best Polish cyclists in history, for whom this is the final season of his career. During more than a decade in the international UCI World Tour peloton, he built a reputation as one of the best climbers, and in recent seasons served as a top-class domestique.

The Pole announced his decision to retire a few days before the start of the 82nd Tour de Pologne UCI World Tour. “Tour de Pologne is a special race for me — I won it in 2014, now we’re returning to Bukowina and I want to feel that atmosphere again. I want to end my career on top, being in shape. I want my legs to remember that I was at the front, that I had the power and enjoyed it” he said before the race.

And he did exactly that. Although he did not fight for an individual victory, he contributed to the triumph of Brandon McNulty, and his UAE Team Emirates-XRG squad won the team classification. “It was a beautiful race and I’m happy we could win it as a team. For two years I’ve known this would be my last season — I wanted to finish my career on top, still in great form” said the Pole, who a few months earlier had won the Polish national road race title for the second time in his career.

Now, Rafał Majka faces the final race of his career — Saturday’s Il Lombardia monument, where he will start alongside Tadej Pogacar. The Pole has fond memories of the Italian roads — in 2013 he stood on the podium of Il Lombardia, finishing third.

Rafał, thank you for all the great emotions! See you soon!

Artykuł Rafał, thank you! pochodzi z serwisu Tour de Pologne.

Polish rider Mateusz Gajdulewicz placed a strong 7th in the U23 individual time trial at the World Championships in Rwanda. The victory went to Sweden’s Jakob Soderqvist.

Cyclists across three age categories — juniors (U19), U23, and elite — have been competing at the World Championships in Rwanda since Sunday. On Monday, the U23 men lined up for the time trial, with Mateusz Gajdulewicz as the sole Polish representative.

Riding for the continental team Mazowsze Serce Polski, Gajdulewicz delivered an impressive performance, finishing 7th, just 24 seconds off the podium. The win went to pre-race favorite Jakob Soderqvist of Sweden, ahead of New Zealand’s Nate Pringle and France’s Maxime Decomble.

Mateusz Gajdulewicz has already shown his strength in races organized by Lang Team. One of the highlights of his career came earlier this year when he finished 3rd on a stage of the ORLEN Nations Grand Prix, which ended with the climb to Hotel Arłamów. He went on to place 6th overall in the ORLEN General Classification.

Thanks to his strong results at the ORLEN Nations Grand Prix, as well as in the Course de la Paix U23 and the Polish National Championships, he earned a place in the national squad for the 82nd Tour de Pologne, where he animated the race by joining the breakaway on the Wałbrzych stage.

Now, Mateusz Gajdulewicz and his teammates from Mazowsze Serce Polski and the national team — Dawid Lewandowski and Michał Pomorski — are preparing for Friday’s road race. The U23 men will take on a 165-kilometer course featuring demanding laps in central Kigali.

Artykuł Mateusz Gajdulewicz 7th in the U23 Time Trial at the World Championships! pochodzi z serwisu Tour de Pologne.

Belgian rider Remco Evenepoel has claimed his third consecutive world title in the individual time trial. This time, the Soudal Quick-Step cyclist triumphed on a demanding course in Kigali, Rwanda. The 25-year-old already has a rich palmarès, including overall victory at the Tour de Pologne UCI WorldTour, where he won the yellow jersey in 2020.

The men’s and women’s elite time trials opened the UCI Road World Championships, which this year are taking place in Rwanda. The women competed first on Sunday, with Switzerland’s Marlen Reusser proving strongest, finishing ahead of the Dutch duo Anna van der Breggen and Demi Vollering. Katarzyna Niewiadoma, the only Polish rider in the event, placed 14th.

In the afternoon, the men tackled a challenging 40-kilometre course packed with climbs. Experts had predicted a close battle between Remco Evenepoel (Belgium) and Tadej Pogačar (Slovenia), but there was only one king of the time trial. The Belgian — a former overall winner of the Tour de Pologne UCI WorldTour — was untouchable, taking his third straight gold medal in this discipline. By doing so, the Soudal Quick-Step rider matched the achievement of Michael Rogers and Tony Martin. “I had a really good day and I hope I can keep this until next week. It’s a big honour for me to step up next to Tony and Michael. I guess next year I have to go for another one, because I want to be the first to get four in a row!” Evenepoel said after the race.

In Kigali, Evenepoel beat Australia’s Jay Vine by 1 minute 14 seconds, while his compatriot Ilan Van Wilder took third, 2 minutes 36 seconds back — just one second ahead of fourth-placed Pogačar.

The elite road races for the world titles will be held on Saturday (women) and Sunday (men).

Artykuł Winner of the Tour de Pologne Remco Evenepoel crowned World Champion in the individual time trial! pochodzi z serwisu Tour de Pologne.

Last week, as part of the UCI WorldTour – which also includes the Tour de Pologne – two one-day races were held in Canada: Grand Prix Cycliste de Quebec and Grand Prix Cycliste de Montreal. The latter was won by Brandon McNulty of UAE Team Emirates-XRG, the winner of this year’s Tour de Pologne.

UAE Team Emirates-XRG continue their remarkable season. On Sunday, the team of Tadej Pogačar and Rafał Majka celebrated their 85th victory of the year in style. It was delivered by American rider Brandon McNulty, who has been in brilliant form this season. At the Grand Prix Cycliste de Montreal in Canada, he broke away from the peloton alongside Tadej Pogačar with two laps to go. The duo could not be caught, and McNulty crossed the finish line first. Polish fans know the American well — this year he won the ORLEN General Classification of the 82nd Tour de Pologne UCI WorldTour, while his team also triumphed in the Decathlon Team Classification.

“When you go one-two with a teammate, but when he’s World Champion and obviously the best guy in the world, it’s super special. That’s one of the most memorable days of my career so far. We made this move on the climb, and then it ended up a group of four, and then Tadej went [on the attack]. Then I was able to come across, and he waited for me, and he was kind enough to give me the win. So in the final, he decided to give it [the win] to me. So I’m really thankful for that. It was a super fun day” said Brandon McNulty.

For the 27-year-old, the victory at the Grand Prix Cycliste de Montreal is his first ever one-day win at UCI WorldTour level. Earlier this season — at the 82nd Tour de Pologne — he claimed his first WorldTour stage race overall title. On Polish roads he proved he is one of the best and most versatile riders, finishing 2nd on the mountain stage to Bukowina Tatrzańska and then decisively winning the individual time trial at the “Wieliczka” Salt Mine, sealing his overall triumph.

Brandon McNulty’s victory in Canada is yet another proof that the Polish race consistently attracts the world’s top riders. There are only two UCI WorldTour events left in the 2025 season — the Italian Monument Il Lombardia and the Tour of Guangxi stage race in China.

Artykuł Brandon McNulty claims another big victory! He won the Tour de Pologne in August pochodzi z serwisu Tour de Pologne.

The past three weeks in professional cycling have been marked by the battle in the Spanish Grand Tour, the Vuelta a España. The victory went to Denmark’s Jonas Vingegaard of Team Visma | Lease a Bike, who last year also triumphed in the Tour de Pologne!

The third of the cycling Grand Tours — the Vuelta a España — has come to an end. As tradition goes, the final three-week race of the season was held in late August and early September. The competition took place mainly in Spain, though it all began in Italy, from where the riders made their way to the Iberian Peninsula.

The three-week contest tested the riders’ endurance and their all-around racing skills. The organizers prepared flat, hilly and mountainous stages, as well as individual and team time trials. Jonas Vingegaard of Team Visma | Lease a Bike entered the race as the clear favorite and ultimately claimed overall victory, winning three individual stages along the way.

In the general classification, he finished ahead of Joao Almeida of UAE Team Emirates-XRG. Interestingly, both riders have previously won the Tour de Pologne. The Dane claimed the Polish stage race title last year, while the Portuguese rider took the ORLEN General Classification leader’s jersey in 2021. But these weren’t the only Tour de Pologne connections at this year’s Vuelta.

On stage four, Ben Turner (INEOS Grenadiers) proved the fastest in a sprint from a reduced group, repeating in almost identical fashion the way he had won in Wałbrzych. Once again, Polish rider Michał Kwiatkowski played a big part in the Briton’s success.

Other stage winners in this year’s Vuelta also have victories from Poland on their palmarès — among them former world champion Mads Pedersen (Lidl–Trek), the best sprinter of the entire race, as well as the aforementioned Joao Almeida. The fact that so many Vuelta stage winners have also succeeded on Polish roads shows that the world’s top riders come to Poland to fight for the highest honours.

Artykuł The winner of the 81st Tour de Pologne, Jonas Vingegaard, has won the Vuelta a España! pochodzi z serwisu Tour de Pologne.