Twenty-five teams will be competing in the event that kicks off tomorrow in Prostějov, Czech Republic.
There are just a few hours to go before the official start of the ORLEN Nations Grand Prix, part of the UCI U23 Nations Cup, which kicks off its sixth edition tomorrow, 15 May, in Prostějov. There will be five stages that will test the young talents with challenging routes across three countries – the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Poland.
“As Lang Team, this competition is very important to us,” said Czeslaw Lang. “It has always shone a spotlight on the most promising young riders on the U23 scene, who we have then followed with pleasure as they made the transition to professionalism. It is a source of pride to see these youngsters competing to realise their dreams and for them it is an important opportunity, a chance to shine. I am proud of the courses we have proposed this year, I am sure they will be challenging enough for those who want to test themselves and prove their worth. I’m looking forward to watching the fractions unfold and I’m sure of one thing: there will be entertainment.”
There are a number of young riders who will be making their mark over the next five adrenaline-filled days, starting with last year’s winner, Slovenian Gal Glivar, who this year has made a name for himself in major competitions, riding for the UAE Gen Z team.
The Italians include Alessandro Pinarello, who rides for the VF Group – Bardiani CSF – Faizanè team and has started the season with interesting placings in all the international spring classics. There is no shortage of multi-discipline riders, with Swiss Dario Lillo, the reigning MTB relay world champion and Swiss cyclocross champion, finishing fourth in the U23 XCO European Championships just last week.
Ben Wiggins, son of a Tour de France winner and junior world time trial champion, will certainly be one of the protagonists of this edition, while Emiel Verstrynge, who has been particularly active this year on the course of one of the most iconic races in the Ardennes, is also expected to take part.
There will be two jerseys for the young champions to fight for: the white one, reserved for the leader of the general classification, and the green one, dedicated to the climbers, who are clearly favoured by the nature of the course.
The countdown is on and you can follow the race from tomorrow on YouTube, where 26 minutes of each stage will be broadcast, while TVP will be broadcasting live in Poland for the last two days.
The teams
National Teams:
Kazakhstan, Belgium, France, Spain, Great Britain, Italy, Denmark, Norway, Germany, Czech Republic, Portugal, Switzerland, Ukraine, Slovakia, Estonia, Poland, Sweden, Austria, Luxembourg, Slovenia, Hungary, Israel
Clubs:
GKS Catusia, TC Chrobry Głogów, Mostostal Puławy
