The final chapter in the 2014 Tour de Pologne will be written in a spectacular individual time trial in the heart of Krakow, the cultural and historical capital of Poland, with its usual commemoration of Karol Wojtyla (the great Pope John Paul II).
The many climbs in Bukowina have given shape to the general classification and above all have definitely left their mark on the legs of many riders. The yellow Skandia jersey is on the shoulders of hometown idol Rafal Majka but the classification and the battle for final victory is still wide open. Majka will be giving it his all, and an adoring public will be on his side cheering him on as he defends his position and tries to make the 71st Tour de Pologne his, fulfilling his dream and that of all his Polish fans. The riders close behind him in the classification, especially the time trial specialists, will do all they can to try and close the gap separating them from the yellow jersey.
The time trial has an all-new route, with lots of flat stretches, as opposed to the one in 2013. It’s a route that’s perfectly suited for specialists against the time. The start and arrival will be in the spectacular marketplace square in Krakow, which will be packed with throngs of fans who can’t wait to celebrate the winner of the 2014 Tour de Pologne …which all of Poland is hoping will be Rafal Majka.
Yesterday’s stage winner: Rafal Majka (Tinkoff-Saxo)
Top 5 general classification (yellow Skandia jersey)
1) Rafal Majka (Pol) Tinkoff-Saxo 29:46:17
2) Benat Intxausti Elorriaga (Spa) Movistar Team 0:00:18
3) Jon Izaguirre Insausti (Spa) Movistar Team 0:00:22
4) Christophe Riblon (Fra) AG2R La Mondiale 0:00:39
5) Giampaolo Caruso (Ita) Team Katusha 0:00:40
Tauron cyclamen jersey: Maciej Paterski (CCC Polsat)
(GPM classification)
Lotto blue jersey: Matthias Krizek (Cannondale)
(classification for most active rider in the group)
Lang Team white-red jersey: Yauheni Hutarovich (Ag2r La Mondiale)
(points classification)
Team classification: Movistar
Riders in race: 137.
Complete classifications at: www.tourdepologne.pl
