"We’ve got a real shot at winning the whole thing" – Rafal Majka backs UAE teammate McNulty to seal Tour de Pologne GC in final time trial

Rafal Majka believes teammate Brandon McNulty is perfectly placed to secure overall victory at the 2025 Tour de Pologne, after a decisive Stage 6 in the mountains saw UAE Team Emirates - XRG take control of the race's GC narrative despite missing out on the stage win.

Speaking to Eurosport at the finish in Bukowina Tatrzańska, Majka — who played a starring role in the day’s action — was full of confidence in McNulty’s chances ahead of Sunday's final-stage time trial in Kopalnia Soli. “We’ve got a real shot at winning the whole thing tomorrow,” said Majka. “That’s why we went all-in today — to get Brandon as many seconds as possible. He should win this race.”

It’s a sentiment likely shared by many, as McNulty now sits just seven seconds behind new race leader Victor Langellotti (INEOS Grenadiers) going into the 12.5-kilometre ITT that will wrap up this year’s race. With Antonio Tiberi (Bahrain-Victorious) a further 13 seconds back, the final podium remains wide open — but McNulty appears best positioned to step onto the top step.

Stage 6 was shaped by Majka’s relentless pace-making and tactical nous. The experienced Pole was a central figure on the Ściana Bukovina climb, where the lead group was whittled down to just 16 riders. He then continued to apply pressure on the final ascent in Bukowina, keeping the tempo high and fending off any potential threats from behind.

While Majka would ultimately finish ninth on the stage, it was his work that set the stage for McNulty’s late solo move. The American attacked inside the final kilometre and held his advantage almost to the line, only being overhauled by Langellotti in the closing metres. “I didn’t have the legs to go for the win myself after that earlier crash, so I focused entirely on helping the team,” Majka explained. “This is my last season, so I’m just enjoying racing and giving it everything.”

For Majka, the penultimate stage was also a kind of farewell lap. Heading towards the finale of his career, the 34-year-old has embraced the role of road captain and selfless domestique with characteristic pride — and he’s relished every minute racing on home soil. “I love the Polish crowd. They were amazing today,” he said. “If it wasn’t for the crash earlier in the race, maybe I could’ve done more. But that’s cycling. I gave it everything. On Polish roads, I always feel like I’ve got one extra star on my jersey.”