We have been waiting for this race for 8 years. On June 28th, the 2nd Tour de Pologne Women will start. Cyclists from around the world will cover nearly 250 kilometers on Polish roads during three stages.
This year’s competition marks a return to women’s racing in our country. The first and so far only edition was organized by Czesław Lang and his team in 2016. Back then, all competitors had to watch the back of Jolanda Neff. The Olympic Champion and multiple World Championships medalist in mountain biking proved that she can also ride on the road. She won two out of three stages, and in the general classification, she was 1 minute and 17 seconds ahead of the second-place finisher. The best Polish representative, Paulina Brzeźna-Bentkowska, finished just off the podium.
Now we can expect even more excitement. As Czesław Lang announced, this is just the beginning of the journey to the top and building the prestige of the Polish race:
“Today, there is no more dynamically developing sport discipline than women’s cycling. Watching women in action is a great thrill, and the entire cycling world recognizes this. We organized such a race many years ago, and now we are back. (…) Even then, I knew it was the right direction. Several years have passed, and it is worth returning to this idea. I am convinced that everyone will watch the Tour de Pologne Women with bated breath. Especially since our cyclists, led by Katarzyna Niewiadoma, have been performing excellently in recent years.”
We have three days and three stages of great excitement ahead. In the 2nd Tour de Pologne Women, as many as 18 teams will participate – three national teams – Poland, Denmark, and Ukraine, and 15 clubs from around the world, including Belgium, France, Great Britain, the United Arab Emirates, and of course, Poland. It is worth mentioning the World Cycling Center, a unique team formed by the world cycling federation to enable promising athletes from disadvantaged backgrounds to train and participate in the most prestigious international competitions.
The great sports festival that will undoubtedly be the second edition of the TdP Women will take place entirely in the Lublin Voivodeship. In a region that impresses with its wealth, natural diversity, and sporting opportunities. “The race runs through a beautiful landscape. Showcasing our region during the Tour de Pologne Women will increase the recognition of the Lublin Voivodeship, translating into a greater number of tourists. Such actions not only boost tourism but also show that our region is ready for economic development, which encourages investors” – said Jarosław Stawiarski, Marshal of the Lublin Voivodeship, during a recent conference in Lublin.
Everything will start on June 28th. The first stage is an individual time trial – Lublin – Lublin. Cyclists will cover only 4.5 kilometers. It is a short but very demanding and selective section that will surely set the ORLEN general classification.
The cyclists will cover many more kilometers on the second day of the competition. The peloton will travel 136 kilometers. The start is in Krasnystaw, a beautiful town located on the Wieprz River. After covering the first 50 kilometers on flat terrain, the cyclists will reach the LOTTO intermediate sprint in Radecznica, located in the Szczebrzeszyn Landscape Park. After that, the cyclists will enter a much more challenging, hilly terrain. The next LOTTO intermediate sprint will be located just before the 100-kilometer mark – in Batorz, in Janów County. The last, probably decisive kilometers will also feature demanding climbs. The finish line is in Kraśnik, in Kraśnik County. On this section, riders who excel on short and steep climbs should shine.
The base, strategic point, and start location of the third, final stage will be Arche Nałęczów. This picturesque and unique place is adorned with the “Sanatorium Milicyjne,” which will host all teams participating in the race. The history of the building dates back to the 1980s – thanks to the Arche group, the unfinished building from years ago has gained new life. It now combines classic character with modern style. Thanks to the long-term efforts of the company, Arche Nałęczów has not only retained the authenticity of its old architecture but also acquired a unique character in its interiors.
“We operate on similar wavelengths with Czesław – emotions, commitment – these relationships translate into our cooperation. I am very pleased that we could engage in this race on such a large scale, almost comprehensively. This facility has long awaited its chance. So, we are in for a strong start,” says Władysław Grochowski, president of the Arche Group.
This is not the first time the Arche Group has collaborated with Lang Team. The company, with over 30 years of history, has supported the Tour de Pologne in the past, and riders from the best WorldTour teams have stayed in Arche’s facilities.
On the 103-kilometer third stage, there will not be much flat terrain. Shortly after leaving Arche Nałęczów, before the 20th kilometer of the section, the cyclists will compete for the LOTTO intermediate sprint in Skowieszynek. The fate of the race will be decided in Kazimierz Dolny, where great things always happen in the incredibly atmospheric and small-town scenery. Before the stage and race finish, the cyclists will complete a nearly 15-kilometer loop five times. The last LOTTO intermediate sprint is situated just over 14 kilometers before the finish line in Kazimierz Dolny. After that, an extremely exciting descent to the finish awaits us. We will meet the winners of the 2nd Tour de Pologne Women, whose main sponsor is ORLEN, on June 30th.
The goal of the race is primarily to promote women’s cycling and to inspire women to engage in physical activity. One thing is certain – we have a great cycling feast ahead of us.
THE ROUTE OF THE 2ND TOUR DE POLOGNE WOMEN 28-30.06.2024:
STAGE 1 – LUBLIN – LUBLIN (individual time trial), 4.5 km
STAGE 2 – KRASNYSTAW – KRAŚNIK, KRAŚNICKI COUNTY, 136 km
STAGE 3 – ARCHE NAŁĘCZÓW – KAZIMIERZ DOLNY, 103 km
