Less than a month remains until the start of the ORLEN Nations Grand Prix, one of the most important races for cyclists under 23. This prestigious stage race will once again gather the best riders in this age category, with the Polish national team and three local teams also appearing on the start list.
Over the past six years, the ORLEN Nations Grand Prix has earned a reputation as one of the most significant events for young cyclists. Top U23 riders regularly travel to Poland hoping to make a name for themselves in the cycling world. As one of only three races included in the UCI Nations Cup – the most important series of events in this age category – the ORLEN Nations Grand Prix draws the attention of thousands of fans, as well as scouts from top-tier WorldTour teams.
It’s no coincidence that the vast majority of riders who have found success on the Polish race’s route go on to sign professional contracts with WorldTour or ProTeams. Among those who claimed their first major victories here were Olav Kooij and Marijn van den Berg. Both Dutch riders now also boast stage wins at the Tour de Pologne UCI WorldTour!
In the most recent edition of the race, the ORLEN general classification was won by Mathys Rondel. Just a few months later, the young Frenchman joined Tudor Pro Cycling and now rides alongside former world champion Julian Alaphilippe.
This year’s edition will again feature many talented riders at the starting line in Łańcut. The biggest cycling nations – including Belgium, Italy, Great Britain, France, Denmark, and Slovenia – will take part. The 25-team lineup will be completed by the Polish national team as well as three local squads: KK Tarnovia, GKS Cartusia, and Mostostal Puławy – all of which have been developing Polish cycling talent for years.
Organized by Lang Team, the race is a true springboard to professional cycling, but it also has a strong educational component. Thanks to the race’s no-radio format – where riders do not receive instructions from their sports directors – they must make decisions on their own during critical moments, gaining valuable experience.
– The ORLEN Nations Grand Prix is one of those races and categories that are crucial for the future of cycling. Young riders learn how to compete in an international peloton. We teach them how to execute race tactics, how to control a race, and often the results aren’t the most important thing – the bad days are also very important in this learning process – said Sven Vanthourenhout, former sports director of the Belgian national team, who guided Remco Evenepoel and Wout van Aert to medals at the Olympic Games and World Championships.
„The ORLEN Nations Grand Prix is more than just racing – it’s an opportunity for young riders to show themselves to the world, to gain experience, and take their first steps toward the WorldTour. I’m proud that we can host top national teams in Poland and show them the beauty of the Podkarpackie region. This year’s route will be demanding but also spectacular, and the finish line at Hotel Arłamów always brings plenty of excitement. For me, the most important thing is that this race combines world-class sport with the promotion of our country. We’re looking forward to another edition full of amazing moments” – said Czesław Lang, General Director of the ORLEN Nations Grand Prix.
With a lineup of top national teams and Polish squads, this race promises thrilling sporting action. As always, the race will also serve to promote Poland – in this case, the Podkarpackie region. The four-day race will start in Łańcut and end at Hotel Arłamów, which will host the finish line for the final three stages. Along the way, riders will also pass through Jasło, Jarosław, Ustrzyki Dolne, and Lesko. The ORLEN Nations Grand Prix 2025 will take place from May 14 to 17.
ORLEN Nations Grand Prix 2025 route:
1st stage: 14.05.2025 ŁAŃCUT – JASŁO 155.8 km
2nd stage: 15.05.2025 JAROSŁAW – HOTEL ARŁAMÓW 143.3 km
3rd stage: 16.05.2025 USTRZYKI DOLNE – HOTEL ARŁAMÓW 138.6 km
4th stage: 17.05.2025 LESKO, LESKO COUNTY – HOTEL ARŁAMÓW 146.9 km
