The seventh edition of the ORLEN Nations Grand Prix – a prestigious race for cyclists under 23 – will begin with a stage from Łańcut to Jasło. A spectacular route in the Podkarpacie region and the unpredictability of youth cycling promise a great spectacle. “This race reveals the favorites” says Czesław Lang, General Director of the ORLEN Nations Grand Prix.
For the seventh time, the best young riders from around the world will line up for the ORLEN Nations Grand Prix, an event held since 2019. During this time, the Polish race has earned its place among top youth competitions, giving future champions – both foreign and Polish – a chance to shine. This year’s edition promises excitement and once again enjoys great interest from top cycling nations.
“This is a race for U23 riders – those who have moved past the junior category but aren’t yet well-known enough to be in the World Tour. We’re giving them a chance here. There’s great interest – 25 teams on the start line of the ORLEN Nations Grand Prix. A beautiful competition awaits, especially since we’ve prepared stunning and demanding stages. It’s going to be a show” announces Czesław Lang.
As part of the UCI Nations Cup, the ORLEN Nations Grand Prix has its own unique character. Riders compete while representing their countries, and three Polish teams will also participate this year – KK Tarnovia, Mostostal Puławy, and a mixed team composed of cyclists from local clubs. For young riders, this is an opportunity to showcase their potential and attract attention from top international teams.
“This race reveals the favorites, so we’ll be watching closely to see who performs best. It’s an excellent chance to show your level against other European riders. Olav Kooij won the ORLEN Nations Grand Prix and is now considered one of the best sprinters in the world” says Czesław Lang.
“This race is different from the Tour de Pologne because national teams compete here, sending their best riders. It’s like the world or European championships – it’s great to watch and cheer for because you immediately see who’s who. There’s spontaneity here, and that’s something I’ve always loved about cycling” he adds.
As in previous years, the race will have a mountainous character and the winner of the general classification sponsored by ORLEN, the Title Sponsor of the ORLEN Nations Grand Prix, will be the rider who handles the climbs best.
“Every stage will be interesting, especially the finishes near the Arłamów Hotel. Today I rode the loop through Kalwaria Pacławska and Gruszowa – it’s a serious ride, and I think these stages will be very exciting. There’s a small and large Bieszczady loop, starts in Lesko, Ustrzyki Dolne, the first stage may suit sprinters, but the following ones are designed for climbers. The race is excellently prepared” guarantees Czesław Lang.
The 1980 Olympic silver medalist rode part of the final stages’ route the day before the ORLEN Nations Grand Prix, testing the Bieszczady climbs himself. On Saturday, May 17, he will join other cycling legends at the start of the ORLEN Lang Team Race for amateurs.
“This year I’m turning 70 and I still love cycling. I just returned from Arłamów, where I rode the finishing loop. I started at the Arłamów Hotel, went through Gruszowa, Kalwaria Pacławska, and back to Arłamów – this is the loop we’ll ride as amateurs. I’m really happy to be riding. When I look at these national teams, the young riders who are excited and curious about the world of cycling, I feel happy that we can organize a top-level race for them – very safe and with strong media coverage, as the broadcasts will air on TVP Sport and Eurosport” concluded Czesław Lang.
The ORLEN Nations Grand Prix will start on May 14 with a stage from Łańcut to Jasło and will end on Saturday with three laps finishing near the Arłamów Hotel.
