A record turnout, plenty of excitement, and the presence of sporting stars – that’s how this year’s edition of the ORLEN Tour de Pologne Amateurs – Ryszard Szurkowski Memorial looked. In the OPEN category, Dawid Nytko and Sandra Adamczyk-Stępień took the victory. Over 2000 cyclist took part in the race.
The great cycling celebration in Bukowina Tatrzańska and BUKOVINA Resort is linked not only to the 82nd Tour de Pologne UCI WorldTour but also to the ORLEN Tour de Pologne Amateurs – Ryszard Szurkowski Memorial, honoring the outstanding Polish cyclist, four-time Peace Race winner, three-time world champion, and double Olympic medalist.
Once again, the event attracted many cycling enthusiasts to the route. Riders had the chance to tackle a demanding 49-kilometer loop featuring climbs up the Harnaś Wall and the BUKOVINA Wall. The finish line was located at the Rusin-Ski ski station. Additionally, on the climb to the BUKOVINA Wall, participants could test themselves in the Decathlon Mountain Prime segment.
In the OPEN category, Dawid Nytko proved the strongest, followed by Marcin Karbowy and Wojciech Szczepanik. Among the women, Sandra Adamczyk-Stępień took the win, ahead of Kamila Wójcikiewicz-Płotkowiak and Sonia Cięciel. Riders were also classified in their respective age groups, as well as in special rankings – the ORLEN Team classification, the Polish Police Road Cycling Mountain Championships for the Chief of Police Cup, and the 11th Polish State Fire Service Road Cycling Championships.
“This is another edition of the ORLEN Tour de Pologne Amateurs. Over 16 years, the race has grown alongside the Tour de Pologne. When we started, there were 600 people on the start line – today, over 2000 took part. It was beautiful racing and also a chance to tackle the same course that the professionals will later face. I’m glad that once again the Police and Fire Service were involved in our races, supporting us in securing the route, and in the ORLEN Tour de Pologne Amateurs, police officers and firefighters competed in special categories” emphasized Elżbieta Lang, Director of the ORLEN Tour de Pologne Amateurs.
The event attracts both cycling enthusiasts and well-known athletes from other disciplines every year.
“Every year, athletes and stars come to ride with us, and this year we were honored to have Robert Kubica at the start. We’re very happy he competed in our race and we hope to see him again next year at the ORLEN Tour de Pologne Amateurs” added Elżbieta Lang.
Robert Kubica after the ORLEN Tour de Pologne Amateurs: “Short, intense, and with passion”
Robert Kubica took part in the ORLEN Tour de Pologne Amateurs for the first time. He spoke very positively about the event and his participation in it.
“The ride was short but intense. I lacked form, and swapping my bike two days before the start wasn’t the best idea – I got cramps. Still, it was great to spend the day with so many cycling enthusiasts and feel the positive atmosphere. Congratulations to the organizers – it was my first time here, and the ride was really enjoyable”
said Kubica.
The former F1 driver does not rule out returning to the ORLEN Tour de Pologne Amateurs course.
“If my professional racing commitments allow it, I’ll be happy to come back next year, better prepared this time” he added.
Today, participants of the ORLEN Tour de Pologne Amateurs could not only compete on the route but also cheer for their favorites at the start of Stage 6 of the Tour de Pologne UCI WorldTour. The peloton of the world’s best teams is racing from BUKOVINA Resort to the summit finish in Bukowina Tatrzańska, tackling the climbs of the Harnaś Wall and BUKOVINA Wall – well-known to the amateurs – three times.