Tour de Pologne

Andrea Raccagni finished an impressive fourth from a select group on the longest stage of the Tour de Pologne, picking up his best result of the year in Zakopane, one of the traditional finishes of the race. On a day with four climbs and more than 2700 meters of climbing, the 21-year-old Italian produced a strong effort to make it over all these ascents and remain with the small peloton, despite the pace becoming a relentless one in the final 20 kilometers.

On top of that, Raccagni still found some extra energy to sprint at the end and conclude just outside the podium the stage won by Matthew Brennan (Visma-Lease a Bike), racking up his fourth top ten of the season.

“I thought the climb would be really hard, but surprisingly, I felt good there and remained with the main group, taking the best wheels. I was hoping Paul would come back so I could help him, but then we changed the plan and I played my chance in the finale. I tried to go as soon as Brennan launched his sprint, but I just couldn’t match his speed after a day with 3000 meters of climbing. Nevertheless, I am content with my result, it’s really good for the confidence to see that I could be there after such a day”, Andrea said at the finish.

Before Raccagni hit the spotlight at the finish, it was another T-Rex Quick-Step rider who animated the day. Martin Svrcek was part of the four-man breakaway that took off moments after the start and stayed at the front for almost 180 kilometers, putting in a solid effort there with each pedal turn and showing encouraging signs for the next races.

“At one point, we had six minutes and we were working well together, but we knew it wasn’t enough for a stage as long as this. I felt good at the front, did my best in the group and kept believing in our chances, but it wasn’t meant to be. Still, it was a good effort and I’m glad to see that my form is on an upward trajectory”, Martin explained.

Photo credit: ©Luc Claessen / Getty Images