PREVIEW | Tour de Pologne 2023 stage 2 - First summit finish to open up GC battle

Preview. Stage 2 of the Tour de Pologne will be a key day for the overall classification. We will see the climbers and puncheurs in action and the overall classification will be played for.

Stage 2 in Pologne is a day of two very different halves. The 203 kilometers are mostly flat for the first two third of the day, but the race reaches it's southern border and the hilly terrain comes about. It may be the biggest chance to create differences ahead of the time-trial.

There are two categorized climbs in the lead up to the final ascent, they are 3.3 kilometers at 5.7% and 4.8 kilometers at 5.8% respectively. The latter one ends with 20 kilometers to go, all will be a warm-up to the final ascent to Karpacz.

The finish line is in the outskirts of town. It is an inconsistent one, 6.9Km at 5.2%, however there is a very different story when looking at the climb in detail. Inside town the riders find a 1.6Km section at 9.5% and the gradients go up to 15%, nasty ramps which can see explosive attacks and differences. There are a few flat bits, however it will be a difficult run to the line, one where both climbers and puncheurs can ride for the win.

The Weather

Western wind and with some strength. It can make for some tension throughout the day, the possibility of echelons is not too unlikely. Rain will also fall, but early in the day so it's not to expect that it will have a crucial influence on the day. In the final climb it should be covered but a crosswind, however the final meters should see a headwind.

The Favourites

INEOS - INEOS have five cards to play realistically. This is not exactly the type of stage where they can make good use of them, but if some have good legs the finale should see them on the attack. Geraint Thomas, Pavel Sivakov, Thymen Arensman and Laurens de Plus are all strong and proven climbers who are using the race to prepare for the Vuelta a Espana, whilst Michal Kwiatkowski had terrific climbing legs at the Tour de France and if he shows the same level he absolutely has the punch at the end that is necessary.

UAE - UAE are in a relatively similar position. Tim Wellens won't likely be in contention but the roads of Pologne suit him well, the team has Rafal Majka who may have a supporting role but racing at home will be motivated, whilst both João Almeida and Brandon McNulty both have a good punch if it comes down to a sprint, but in the climbing itself they will certainly be towards the front.

BORA - The German team have two cards to play. Sergio Higuita is one but I'd call it half a card, on his best day the Colombian will be a big favourite to win here, however he's been having a very inconsistent season and missed the Tour de France because of it, there's no knowing what version we'll see. Lennard Kämna will be the other, a contender for the GC, but an open punchy finale like this is also ideal for him.

Bahrain - Matej Mohoric finished the Tour de France in great form, it's unclear what legs he'll bring to Pologne but if he's willing to take on a week-long stage-race then he must not be fatigued. The climb isn't easy, but the best Mohoric can survive the steep part and then have a chance in a sprint. Damiano Caruso presents another possibility for Bahrain.

This is a stage where the mix of climbers and puncheurs is interesting, there's no rider or specific rider type who is a favourite, form will be the key part as the field is also well balanced. Looking at other climbers who have the explosivity, it's definitely worth paying attention to Lenny Martínez, Ruben Guerreiro and Ilan van Wilder.

Tobias Foss, Lennert van Eetvelt, Eddie Dunbar and Max Poole will be on the climber side, not the most explosive but have a chance to surprise, whilst on the puncheur side we've got the likes of Andreas Kron and Oscar Onley.

Prediction Tour de Pologne 2023 stage 2:

*** João Almeida, Michal Kwiatkowski
** Geraint Thomas, Brandon McNulty, Sergio Higuita, Ilan van Wilder
* Thymen Arensman, Pavel Sivakov, Laurens de Plus, Rafal Majka, Lennard Kämna, Lenny Martínez, Max Poole, Eddie Dunbar

Pick: Michal Kwiatkowski