Antonio Tiberi finds form ahead of the Vuelta a Espana with 2nd overall in Poland: “If I get in the right mindset, I can do well”

Brandon McNulty clinched the overall title at the 2025 Tour de Pologne in emphatic style on Sunday, winning the decisive final-day individual time trial to secure the yellow jersey. Antonio Tiberi, riding for Bahrain - Victorious, was in contention for the general classification heading into the stage and produced a strong ride to finish fourth on the day. For much of the afternoon, the Italian’s time looked like it might be enough to put him in yellow, but McNulty’s powerful display over the rolling course proved too much.

The American stopped the clock as the fastest rider, leapfrogging Tiberi and taking the GC by 29 seconds. Matteo Sobrero completed the podium in third overall, just behind Tiberi.

Reflecting on his ride, Tiberi acknowledged both the challenge of the course and McNulty’s performance. “It took me a moment to find my rhythm. I struggled a bit, but just before reaching the top I felt my legs were good and I found my pace. Then I tried to give my all on the rolling section, as if the finish were at the summit. At the intermediate checkpoint they told me I had a good time, and that gave me a little extra boost to tackle the rest of the stage,” he said.

Tiberi explained that time trial success often comes down to mindset and pacing. “In general, I prefer longer time trials that allow me to settle into a rhythm, and managing yourself well is also really important. But I’ve noticed that even in shorter time trials, if I get in the right mindset, I can do well. I’m happy with how it went.”

While missing out on overall victory will sting, the result marks another strong showing for the young Italian. His focus now shifts to the Vuelta a España, which starts on August 23, less than two weeks away, where he will test himself again against some of the world’s best over three weeks of racing.