“The perfect moment to say enough” – Rafal Majka talks retirements after final Tour de Pologne appearance

Rafał Majka closed out the 2025 Tour de Pologne with 16th place in the final day’s individual time trial, securing eighth overall in the general classification and winning the ORLEN VITAY Best Polish Rider Prime. For the UAE Team Emirates - XRG veteran, the home race was about more than results, it was part of a carefully chosen farewell season after two decades at the top of the sport.

“It was a beautiful race and I’m happy we could win it as a team,” Majka said, referring to Brandon McNulty’s overall victory, sealed in the same time trial that brought the race to a close. “For the past two years, I’ve known that this season would be my last – I wanted to finish my career at the top, still in great form. For me, health and family are the most important, and this is the perfect moment to say ‘enough.’”

The 2025 edition of Poland’s biggest cycling event proved a fitting stage for Majka’s final Tour de Pologne appearance. Over the week, he rode consistently in support of UAE Team Emirates’ GC ambitions, while also defending his position as the top Polish finisher. His eighth place overall meant he was the only home rider inside the top ten, finishing ahead of national teammates and younger rivals.

“I will still compete in a few more races before the end of the year, and then I’ll take a holiday and a break from cycling,” he confirmed. “I hope that in the future a strong Polish team will be created, because we have the potential and many talented young riders.”