Bukowina Tatrzańska, August 8, 2026 – The legendary BUKOVINA Wall, incredible support from the fans and an outstanding atmosphere worthy of a UCI WorldTour race – another edition of the ORLEN Tour de Pologne Amatorów – Ryszard Szurkowski Memorial has come to an end. Thousands of cycling enthusiasts took on the extremely demanding route in the Tatra Mountains, crossing the finish line at the Rusiń-Ski Ski Station.
Once again, the event proved that it is one of the most important and prestigious amateur cycling races in this part of Europe. The race, held in tribute to Ryszard Szurkowski – an outstanding Polish cyclist, four-time winner of the Peace Race, world champion and two-time Olympic silver medallist – attracted crowds of cycling enthusiasts from Poland and abroad.
A Tatra Challenge: Two Laps and the Legendary Climb
The race village, located at BUKOVINA Resort in Bukowina Tatrzańska, was buzzing with activity from the early morning. At 7:30 a.m., the peloton set off to tackle the demanding 24.6-kilometre circuit, which the riders completed twice, covering nearly 50 kilometres of intense racing in total.
The route, which led through Szaflary, Leśnica and Groń, among other places, featured some of the region’s legendary climbs. On each lap, the riders faced the steep BUKOVINA Wall in Gliczarów, where enthusiastic fans provided incredible support. The finish came at the gruelling climb to the Rusiń-Ski Ski Station, a true test for the strongest climbers.
Sowiński and Wójcikiewicz-Płotkowiak Fastest in Bukowina Tatrzańska
The competition was fiercely contested from the very first kilometres, with a high level of sporting performance throughout. In the men’s OPEN category, Artur Sowiński (HS Cycling Team) claimed victory with a time of 01:19:50. In the women’s competition, Kamila Wójcikiewicz-Płotkowiak (AGROCHEST TEAM) was the fastest, completing the course in 01:34:27.
“The course is quite selective, with the BUKOVINA Wall being its key challenge – that’s where the race was really decided. From the very beginning, I had to make up ground because I started from the second sector. That’s why I rode full gas from the start all the way to the finish. In this race, the first rider across the finish line is not necessarily the winner of the overall classification because of the net time. You simply have to give it everything you have and only after crossing the finish line can you check whether it was enough to achieve the result you were hoping for,” said the winner, Artur Sowiński, at the finish.
Robert Kubica Kept His Promise
A special highlight of the event was the return of Robert Kubica. Following his participation in last year’s edition, the former Formula 1 driver said that, if his professional commitments allowed, he would be happy to return to the Tatra route – even better prepared. He kept his word and once again lined up at the start in Bukowina Tatrzańska, sharing his passion for cycling with thousands of amateur riders from across Poland.
OPEN Classification Results (Bukowina Tatrzańska, August 8, 2026):
Men:
1. Artur Sowiński (HS Cycling Team) – 01:19:50
2. Patryk Krajewski (WALBET Team) – 01:21:58
3. Marcin Karbowy (WALBET Team) – 01:22:04
Women:
1. Kamila Wójcikiewicz-Płotkowiak (AGROCHEST TEAM) – 01:34:27
2. Sonia Cięciel (WALBET Team) – 01:35:39
3. Monika Skinder – 01:37:02
A Unique Atmosphere and Professional Organisation
Once again, participants had the opportunity to feel like professional riders competing in a UCI WorldTour race. Each rider received a comprehensive race package, while their safety was ensured by professional services and the Lang Team crew. The winners’ awards ceremony on the podium at the Rusiń-Ski Ski Station brought this special cycling celebration to a memorable close.
“We are incredibly proud when we see with how much passion and heart you create the ORLEN Tour de Pologne Amatorów. Standing at the start line of a race where, just moments later, the greatest champions compete is an experience that stays with you for a lifetime. Thank you for your sweat, tears of joy, determination and for creating this wonderful cycling family. We would also like to extend our deepest appreciation to the emergency services and our partners – without your commitment, this dream would not be possible,” said Elżbieta Lang, Director of the ORLEN Tour de Pologne Amatorów.