ORLEN Nations Grand Prix route doesn’t ease up. After yesterday’s demanding finish at Kohutka, riders are in for another mountainous finale. This time, the finish line will be located in the picturesque surroundings of Štrbské Pleso, where a stage of the race also ended last year.
ORLEN Nations Grand Prix has moved from Czechia to Slovakia, where the third stage of the race will take place. Characteristic of this year’s edition are numerous climbs, which will also be present today! Cyclists will start from Tvrdosin in the Orawa Valley and after just 40 kilometers of racing, they will reach the KOM in Kvačany. Then they will head towards the breathtaking views of Štrbské Pleso.
In the middle part of the over 20-kilometer climb, the KOM in Vysoke Tatry will be located. The finish line will be in Štrbské Pleso. It’s a place well known to tourists but also to cycling fans. In the past, both the Tour de Pologne and the ORLEN Nations Grand Prix ended there. Last year’s race was full of emotions, culminating in the victory of the talented Francesco Busatto, who was the fastest from a reduced group. Italian now rides for Intermarche-Wanty, a World Tour team! Who will follow his footsteps?
There are many favorites, but particular attention should be paid to the consistent and dynamic Matthew Brennan from Great Britain, who has so far finished 4th and 3rd. We must not forget about the excellent French riders who occupied the first and second positions in the general classification after yesterday’s stage. Mathys Rondel is the holder of the white jersey sponsored by ORLEN, followed by Brieuc Rolland.
The mountain scenery will surely encourage cyclists to attack and ride aggressively, especially since the stakes are not only the stage victory and position in the general classification. A fierce battle is also fought for the green jersey of the mountain classification, led by Italian Pietro Mattio, who has 10 points to his name. After yesterday’s breakaway, the Poles – Michał Pomorski and Kacper Gieryk – are not far behind the second-place rider of the first stage.
The stage to Štrbské Pleso will be special for another reason. Today’s birthday celebrant is Czesław Lang, Director of the ORLEN Nations Grand Prix. We are convinced that cyclists’ amazing performance on the Friday stage will be a beautiful birthday present!
