After a 24-year hiatus, Koszalin welcomed back the Tour de Pologne peloton, and the opening stage of the 83rd edition provided fans with immense excitement. Italy’s Jonathan Milan (Lidl-Trek) proved to be the fastest in the bunch sprint, taking the first stage victory and donning the yellow jersey of the ORLEN General Classification leader.
Exceptional start in Gdynia and a sentimental journey to the roots
The cycling celebration under the motto “North-South” began in a maritime setting. Following the ceremonial team presentation on board the museum ship ORP “Błyskawica”, the peloton set off from Kościuszko Square in Gdynia, which is celebrating its centenary this year. The route of the first section was also the longest challenge of this year’s Tour de Pologne – riders had to cover a daunting 234 kilometers through the hilly and picturesque landscapes of Pomerania and Kashubia.
“The first stage holds a special, personal meaning for me. The peloton passed through the areas where I grew up and where my cycling journey began. Returning to Kashubia and the surroundings of Bytów is a deeply emotional trip back to my roots” emphasized Czesław Lang, General Director of the Tour de Pologne, at the start line.
Active break by the Poles and a solo move on Chełmska Mountain
Before the sprinters had their say, we witnessed dynamic action from the breakaway riders. For many kilometers, the pace was set by a 5-man group featuring great performances from Polish representatives – Kamil Małecki (Pinarello Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team) and Radosław Frątczak. Małecki won, among others, the 3rd LOTTO Intermediate Sprint in Polanów, securing the navy-blue jersey of the Most Active Rider Classification leader. “At the beginning, I had to put in a massive effort to bridge across to the breakaway, but it paid off – I managed to win two intermediate sprints and finish second in another” reported Kamil Małecki. “Today, the team gave me a free hand to attack, and I gave it my all. The incredible support along the course carried me forward. Passing the fan zone and seeing my fiancée gave me a huge extra boost. It was beautiful, and I wish every rider could experience such emotions on home roads.”
As the peloton approached Koszalin, the breakaway’s lead began to dwindle rapidly. Just before the day’s sole Cat 3 PZU Mountain Prime on Chełmska Mountain (located a mere 6 km from the finish line), Dries De Bondt (Team Jayco AlUla) launched a solo attack. The Belgian gave everything to claim top points at the summit, but shortly after his move, he was reabsorbed by the charging peloton.
Clash of the giants on the finish line in Koszalin
Over the final 2 kilometers, a fierce battle for position raged at the front of the bunch, with Decathlon CMA CGM Team attempting to take control. On the final straight, a battle of the sprint giants unfolded!
Displaying immense power and flawless timing, Jonathan Milan (Lidl-Trek) left his rivals with no chance and confidently crossed the finish line first. “It was a tough stage, and the pace was high right from the start. There was a strong breakaway up ahead, but my teammates did an amazing job helping to bring it back. The finish required precision – we knew we had to enter the final corner no further back than tenth position. I found myself in the ideal spot and just gave it everything. I’m delighted that, after a great effort from the entire team, I can return to racing in this jersey” said Jonathan Milan after his victory.
Polish representative Marceli Bogusławski delivered a powerful performance on the demanding finish, securing 12th place as the highest-ranked Pole of the stage. “The finish was extremely chaotic and nervous, but the guys from the national team executed a brilliant job to position me perfectly before the last turn. Entering that corner at high speed was key. On the home straight, I missed a bit of timing – I launched slightly too late and the rivals-built momentum to get past. Despite being 243 km long, the stage flew by very quickly. I’m happy with the work done and looking forward to the next sprint opportunities” concluded the Polish rider.
