Italian rider Chiara Consonni claimed victory in the final stage of the 3rd Tour de Pologne Women. The Canyon//SRAM zondacrypto rider also secured wins in the ORLEN General Classification and the LOTTO Most Active Rider Classification.
After three days of thrilling competition, the 3rd Tour de Pologne Women came to an end. On the final day, the riders tackled an undulating route from the Spa Park in Nałęczów to Kraśnik. In total, the peloton covered 128 kilometres, with two LOTTO Sprint Primes in Urzędów and Węgliska, as well as a zondacrypto Special Prime in Stróża, located just 6 kilometres from the finish. The finale in Kraśnik was slightly uphill, with riders also navigating a short cobbled section in the last kilometre.
Due to illness, Dominika Włodarczyk from UAE Team ADQ – the best-placed Pole on yesterday’s stage – did not start today’s stage.
From the start, the peloton raced at a high pace, with strong winds and high speed causing the group to split. Some riders managed to rejoin the main bunch, which was first to reach the LOTTO Sprint Prime in Urzędów. The fastest there was Kathrin Schweinberger (Human Powered Health), followed by Chiara Consonni – leader of both the LOTTO Most Active Rider Classification and the ORLEN General Classification.
Shortly after, Kirk Schad (Denmark National Team) broke away from the peloton, but her move was short-lived. The next to attack were Anne Knijenburg (VolkerWessels) and Marie-Louise Hartz Krogager (Denmark National Team). The duo built a lead of over two minutes, chased by Nikol Płosaj (TKK Pacific Nestlé Fitness) and Romina Hinojosa (Lotto). At the LOTTO Sprint Prime in Węgliska, Knijenburg took maximum points, ahead of Marie-Louise Hartz Krogager and Nikol Płosaj, who was caught by the peloton shortly afterwards.
With just over 20 kilometres to go, Anne Knijenburg launched a solo attack, dropping her breakaway companion. Marta Jaskulska (Poland National Team) countered from the peloton but returned to the main group after a few kilometres. Meanwhile, the Dutch rider pushed on towards the finish, winning the zondacrypto Special Prime in Stróża. Five kilometres from the line in Kraśnik, she still had a 45-second advantage over the reduced peloton.
The Dutchwoman fought bravely for the win but was caught by the group with just 300 metres to go. Moments later, Chiara Consonni launched her sprint, taking a decisive stage win and securing both the ORLEN General Classification and the LOTTO Most Active Rider Classification.
“The team did an amazing job. They tried to stay as close as possible to the breakaways, and then we went for the sprint. I hadn’t won anything this year, so this victory was my goal from the very start. After winning the first stage, I thought, ‘Why not?’ – and everything went perfectly from there. We kept the jersey at home. It’s always hard to stay focused and manage your energy, but being able to share this journey with so many experienced riders boosted morale. I believed in myself, and the whole team – sport directors, teammates, everyone – was just amazing. The work behind the scenes is incredible, and just as important as what happens on the road. I really have to thank everyone for their support. On the first day, we were still getting to know each other and the lead-out wasn’t quite perfect, but today it made all the difference and I was able to repay them. The team worked incredibly hard in tough, hot conditions, so cooling down was important. The finish was harder than yesterday, but we believed in it and made it” said Chiara Consonni.
On the podium for today’s stage alongside Consonni were Linda Zanetti (Uno-X Mobility) and Emma Norsgaard Bjerg (Lidl-Trek). In the ORLEN General Classification, Zanetti and Kathrin Schweinberger (Human Powered Health) joined Consonni on the final podium.
The best team of the race was Liv Jayco AlUla.
“It was a nice race, but we wanted to win. We missed out in the sprint prime, so we aimed for the stage victory, but I got boxed in at the finish and it didn’t work out. We came here with a young team, and each day we raced better, so we can be happy. I didn’t know what to expect after the Tour de France Femmes, because I was a bit tired, but in the end, it was fine” said Linda Zanetti.
“We came here with a team of four and gave 110% every day. Each stage was very exciting, and I’m happy we made it to the podium. It was my first time in Poland, but I will definitely come back,” said Kathrin Schweinberger, third in the ORLEN General Classification.
Anne Knijenburg showed her fighting spirit today, but was caught on the final straight. As a consolation, however, she won the zondacrypto Special Prime. – I was riding with a girl from Denmark who rode really well, but I dropped her on a climb and continued alone. The last 25 kilometres alone felt incredibly long, and at one point I thought I’d never make it. With 5 kilometres to go, I had a 40-second lead, so I gave it everything. But around 300 metres from the finish line, when I could already see it, I was caught. It’s a pity, but I gave absolutely everything and truly believed I could make it. Ultimately, I just started too early – said Knijenburg.
The best-placed Pole in today’s stage was Karolina Kumięga (TKK Pacific Nestlé Fitness), who finished fifth, with Malwina Mul (MAT ATOM Deweloper Wrocław) rounding out the top ten. In the ORLEN General Classification, the top Polish finisher was Poland National Team leader Kaja Rysz who took 7th place.
“Today was definitely the hardest stage, but we expected that. The wind also made it tricky, with echelons forming right from the start. It got tense because everyone wanted to be at the front. We all felt the race could split at any moment. The final part had the most short climbs, and with the high pace, it was tough. This kind of weather and terrain suits me best. I’m happy I made it into the top five. The girls did a great job today, pulling me to the front in the final kilometres – I really owe my high placing to them” said Karolina Kumięga. “I’m very happy and proud that we have a race like this. This year it was a first-category event, but honestly, I haven’t seen a helicopter or such a big organisational setup at any other first-category race. I’m proud that in my country we have such a well-organised event. It’s great promotion for us, and I think many teams will want to come here in the future” she concluded.
The 3rd Tour de Pologne Women now enters the history books. From three days of racing on the roads of the Lubelskie Voivodeship, we’ll remember the great emotions, unpredictability, and the fight to the very end!
