INEOS’ Victor Langellotti reacts to history making performance at the Tour de Pologne: “I can't believe I'm wearing this jersey”

Victor Langellotti etched his name into Monaco’s sporting history books on Saturday, becoming the first rider from the principality to win a stage at the highest level of professional cycling. The INEOS Grenadiers rider powered to victory in stage 6 of the Tour de Pologne, timing his sprint to perfection on a selective finish that left several rivals behind. The win also catapulted him into the overall race lead, giving him the yellow jersey heading into the final day.

For Langellotti, the triumph was built on patience and precision. "I knew my strength was making the difference in the last 500 meters, and so I did. I tried to stay calm until then before launching my sprint," he explained shortly after the finish. That calm approach was evident as he held position through the uphill drag, avoiding unnecessary early efforts before unleashing his decisive kick.

The significance of the victory was not lost on the peloton. Michal Kwiatkowski, forced to abandon the race earlier in the day alongside Magnus Sheffield, was effusive in his praise. "Well, if Kwiatkowski says it, he knows cycling much better than me, I trust him," Langellotti laughed when told of the former world champion’s comments.

"Being able to learn from guys like him is invaluable, I'm so happy to be part of a team like Ineos. Even though we lost some riders, we proved we can still win, plus we have two jerseys. My teammates supported me all day, and I can only thank them. Seeing them work for you gives you much more confidence."

Langellotti now faces a decisive challenge: defending the leader’s jersey in the race-ending time trial. "My time trial skills? Um... we'll find out tomorrow," he admitted with a smile. "It will obviously be a big challenge, but I have the leader's jersey and I have to give it my all. I can't believe I'm wearing this jersey with one day to go, so whatever comes next will be a bonus."