How the race unfolded
Today the stage started in Wałbrzych and ended in Duszniki Zdrój after a 162,3 km long stage where an explosive and tricky finale resulted in a bunch sprint for the leaders' group.
It was a very active start to the race, with around 11 riders taking the lead in the first few kilometres. Caught by the peloton, the action culminated in a two-man breakaway consisting of Jacopo Mosca (LTK) bridging with Andreas Kron (PRT).
Soon after the duo was formed, there were numerous attacks and counter-attacks, the first of which was launched by Rick Pluimers (PRT), who spurred the lead group on. At 20km, Bastien Tronchon (ACT) and Mick Van Dijke (TJV) joined the escape shortly followed by Piotr Brożyna (POL). When the lead group reached the maximum gap of 4'10", Bahrain Victorious imposed a very high pace at the front of the race, which caused a break-up of the peloton and reduced the gap to the escapees.
The breakaway ended with around 20 km to go, when the last remaining riders, Krone and Van Djike, were gradually reeled in by the peloton preparing for a final burst of action. Ineos Grenadiers and UAE Team Emirates took the lead in the closing kilometres of the race and set the pace as the course required the riders to tackle a final challenging uphill section to the line.
The special prize Soudal for the 95th anniversary of the Tour de Pologne , situated in Pieszyce at the 38 km marker, went to Mick Van Dyke, while the 1st and 2nd KOMs of the day went to Jacopo Mosca. Damiano Caruso (TBV) took the last KOM of the day.
Tomorrow’s stage
The 198 km stage will see the peloton return to flatter terrain, giving the sprinters a chance to really put themselves to the test. The riders will start from the Lower Silesian town of Strzelin and head west to Sobótka before turning back to Opole. The Tour de Pologne last visited Opole in 2020, when the second stage started here. The stage features one cat. 3rd cat. PZU KOM in Strzegomiany and three LOTTO Intermediate Sprints in Sobótka, Strzelin and Grodków.
