After a successful start to the Tour de Pologne Women in Lublin, it’s time for the first mass-start stage. The peloton will take on the rolling hills of Roztocze, starting in Krasnystaw, known for its beautiful and historic architecture, and finishing in Kraśnik, Kraśnikpowiat kraśnicki. Leading the race after yesterday’s stage is Sweden’s Stina Kagevi from Team Coop – Repsol.
The individual time trial in the heart of Lublin, the capital of the Lublin region, brought much excitement and fierce competition for every second. Swedish rider Stina Kagevi claimed victory in the short time trial, with Poland’s Zuzanna Chylińska from TKK Pacific Nestle Fitness taking 5th place. The time gaps among the top contenders in the ORLEN general classification, led by yesterday’s winner, are minimal, keeping the race wide open.
Saturday’s stage is expected to create further time differences due to the challenging, hilly route prepared by the organizers. Just after noon, the colorful peloton will set off from the picturesque Market Square in Krasnystaw, heading towards the rolling hills of Roztocze.
Cycling through the green landscapes of an area known for having the most sunshine in Poland, the riders will face numerous steep climbs. The hot weather conditions predicted for the day could play a significant role in the competition, adding to the difficulty.
Before the riders battle for victory in Kraśnik, Kraśnik county, they will compete for two intermediate sprints sponsored by LOTTO—one in Radecznica and another in Batorz, Janów county. Among the favorites for today’s stage are several Polish riders, including Katarzyna Wilkos, Olga Wankiewicz (MAT ATOM Developer Wrocław), Zuzanna Chylińska, Natalia Krześlak (TKK Pacific Nestle Fitness), as well as Aurela Nerlo, Karolina Perekitko, and Kaja Rysz from the Polish national team. Riders from Belgium, the Netherlands, and Italy are also expected to perform well on the hills. We are in for a spectacular show and a fierce battle for the yellow leader’s jersey in the ORLEN general classification!
