“I would have liked to win the stage and the overall” - Tour de Pologne podium finisher not happy to settle for third as he confirms Vuelta ambitions
CyclingTuesday, 11 August 2026 at 10:10
Iván Romeo wrapped up the Tour de Pologne with a brilliant third place overall after a strong ride in the final time trial. The Movistar Team rider confirmed his form after a week fighting for the GC and again underlined his level against the clock. Now, eyes on the Vuelta a España.
The Spaniard started the last stage with room to climb and went all in for the win. He ultimately finished third, a result that lifted him onto the podium in Poland and capped a notably positive week after a long spell without racing.
Romeo expressed his satisfaction with the result, while making clear his ambition always drives him to aim higher. “Well, I’m happy, obviously I think that’s how it should be. There’s always room to improve, I’d have liked to win the stage, I’d have liked to win the GC. But Marco Brenner was super strong, to be fair.”
The Spaniard also highlighted the value of returning to competition with a result at this level. “I’m really happy, it’s been a super positive week after so long without racing. As I say, there’s always room to improve, but without that it wouldn’t be any fun.”
In the final time trial, Romeo chose the more aggressive of the two plans prepared with his team. “Yes, that’s right, in the end I went out to win. We had two strategies, so to speak, and I went for the more positive one.”
The closing kilometres, however, proved especially demanding for the Movistar Team rider, particularly with the run of corners. “The last 2–3 kilometres felt a bit long in the twisty section. Instead of braking late, I had to stop pedalling to breathe. In the end you always drop a second or two there, but well, that’s how it is.”
“I go out to win and if it doesn’t happen, it doesn’t happen”
Romeo again showed his competitive edge and said his approach could only be to chase victory. “That’s who I am, you all know me, I go out to win and if it doesn’t happen, it doesn’t happen. But I think we should still be happy with today, with the week overall and with the team.”
The rider from Valladolid also underlined the work of the entire Movistar Team throughout the race, praising soigneurs, sports directors and all staff. “From soigneurs to directors to staff, everyone was a 10. Everyone was a 10, so it’s a pleasure like that.”
Iván Romeo, star of Movistar Team
Now, on to Monaco
Third at the Tour de Pologne won’t be Romeo’s last big test against the clock. His next target is Monaco, where he will face another time trial and hopes to carry over the sensations from Poland.
“Now there are a few days until Monaco. Last race day, a TT. Next race day, a TT. Similar, I’ll prepare it well in the coming days.”
The takeaway from Poland is very positive. “I felt good, I felt up there with the best. Obviously, fighting for the GC probably cost me a bit in the stage fight. In Monaco it’ll be different, the level will be higher too. But I’m already eager for that day to come.”
With this third place, Romeo offers another glimpse of his potential and confirms the time trial remains one of his great specialities. After a week battling for the GC and finishing on the podium at the Tour de Pologne, the Spaniard now looks to his next challenge with undimmed ambition.
Gavin QuinnCycling Journalist
Gavin Quinn is a cycling journalist and ultra-distance cyclist with a BA in Journalism from Dublin City University. Formerly the Press & Communications Officer for Cycling Ireland, Gavin has worked inside the national team at the World Championships and has reported for the Irish Mirror, Mirror UK, and The42.
His expertise is backed by elite-level access, having interviewed stars like Sam Bennett and Ben Healy, as well as immense personal endurance. In 2025, he completed a 12,000km solo cycle from Ireland to Vietnam, following a 4,600km tour across Europe. From the cobbles of Paris-Roubaix to the gradients of the Tourmalet, Gavin’s writing focuses on the "romance and brutality" of the sport. Having visited 50+ countries, he brings a global, cultural perspective to his coverage of the pro peloton for CyclingUpToDate.
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