– It’s going to be a beautiful race. It’s racing like in my days, without technology, without radios. The coach doesn’t whisper in the rider’s ear whether to attack or not, the rider makes the decision. It’s a great opportunity for cyclists to showcase themselves, to sign a professional contract – says Czesław Lang about the upcoming ORLEN Nations Grand Prix starting tomorrow. The five-day event is a springboard to success for U23 riders, as shown by the stories of the main protagonists of previous editions.
Everything is ready for the start of the ORLEN Nations Grand Prix, which is part of the prestigious UCI Nations Cup series for U23 riders. The top of young riders will race on picturesque roads in Czechia, Slovakia, and Poland, where they will compete not only for victory but also to impress the top division teams, which have been closely watching this race for years.
Many riders took their first steps in the U23 category at the ORLEN Nations Grand Prix. Now we see them in the biggest cycling events in the world.
– Great talents are born at the ORLEN Nations Grand Prix. There’s Olav Kooij, for example, who won this race, won stages at the Tour de Pologne, and two days ago triumphed at the Giro d’Italia. I’m very happy about this because I saw these riders here. For many cyclists, this is an opportunity to present themselves, to join professional teams, and to become great cyclists – said Czesław Lang, General Director of the ORLEN Nations Grand Prix.
This year’s competition will consist of five stages. The first stage will begin on May 15 with the stage from Prostejov to Bouzov. The next day, cyclists will tackle a mountainous stage from Prerov to the climb in Kohutka. On the third day, the peloton will move to Tvrdosin, from where they will head towards Strbske Pleso, where one of the stages of the ORLEN Nations Grand Prix also ended last year. Everything will conclude in Poland – on Saturday, the cyclists will race on the BUKOVINA Resort, Niedzica – Jasło stage, and the final stage will take place on the route Lesko, powiat leski – Hotel Arłamów.
The start list of the race is traditionally very strong, featuring top national teams. Among them there is the Polish national team along with three local teams.
– This is already the 6th edition of the ORLEN Nations Grand Prix. The race is very close to my heart because when you look at the development of cycling, when riders transition to the U23 category, there aren’t many events where they can compete within their age group. Hence the idea of the ORLEN Nations Grand Prix. It’s a highly esteemed event, just look at the start list – 25 teams are participating, all national teams arrive with very strong squads – emphasized Czesław Lang before the start.
The cyclists will compete for the white jersey of the Race Title Sponsor – the company ORLEN.
– Watching this race pleases me as a fan. There’s a lot happening here, it’s spontaneous racing, just like in my days – says Czesław Lang, Olympic silver medalist from Moscow.
Fans will also be able to follow the ORLEN Nations Grand Prix, with TV coverage reaching 65 countries. Comprehensive highlights will be available from the first three stages, while live broadcasts will be conducted for the final two stages. The race can be watched on channels such as TVP 1, TVP Sport, TVP Polonia, as well as on Eurosport, Nova TV, Ceska Televize, and RTSV.
Teams participating in ORLEN Nations Grand Prix 2024
National teams:
Kazakhstan, Belgium, France, Spain, Great Britain, Italy, Denmark, Norway, Germany, Czechia, Portugal, Switzerland, Ukraine, Slovakia, Estonia, Poland, Sweden, Austria, Luxembourg, Slovenia, Hungary, Israel
Clubs:
GKS Catusia, TC Chrobry Głogów, Mostostal Puławy
Entry list for ORLEN Nations Grand Prix 2024
Route of ORLEN Nations Grand Prix 15-19.05.2024
Stage 1: 15.05 (Wednesday) PROSTĚJOV – BOUZOV (Czechia) – 135 km
Stage 2: 16.05 (Thursday) PŘEROV – KOHÚTKA (Czechia) – 110 km
Stage 3: 17.05 (Friday) TVRDOŠÍN – ŠTRBSKÉ PLESO (Slovakia) – 121 km
Stage 4: 18.05 (Satudray) BUKOVINA RESORT, NIEDZICA – JASŁO (Poland) – 175 km
Stage 5: 19.05 (Sunday) LESKO, POWIAT LESKI – HOTEL ARŁAMÓW (Poland) – 148 km
