The German Champion showed his sprinting skills again and took his fourth WorldTour win as he won the opening stage at the Tour de Pologne. An early breakaway was in front of the race until the final laps as the BORA – hansgrohe train took control over the pace and closed the gap.
The Stage
Today – in its 75th edition – the Tour de Pologne started with a 134km long stage with start and finish in one of Europe´s biggest main squares in Krakow city centre. After 120km of racing, the peloton returned to Krakow for the final circuits. Three 4km long laps awaited the riders before Pascal Ackermann was announced the winner of today´s first stage. With lots of hilly sections including two KOM’s and one intermediate sprint it was most likely a day for a breakaway or sprinters.
The Team Tactics
The team arrived with Prudential London winner Pascal Ackermann, therefore the squad focused on their fast man. For the GC, BORA – hansgrohe brought several great GC contenders to Poland, among Davide Formolo, who took several podium spots in this year’s Giro d’Italia. He was joined by Emanuel Buchmann, who showed excellent form at the Criterium du Dauphine, as well as Patrick Konrad, seventh at the Giro d’Italia.
The Race
The break of the day has formed as four riders went up the roads. With temperatures expected to exceed 35 degrees, the peloton took it easy and allowed the breakaway an advantage of more than four minutes. BORA – hansgrohe stayed in the peloton and took control over the pace, with only 10km remaining the breakaway was caught and the expected bunch sprint was set up. The BORA – hansgrohe team produced another master class in teamwork, as their Sprinter Pascal Ackerman rewarded their efforts by taking yet another impressive win, his fourth WorldTour victory in this season. Pascal Ackermann also takes home the leaders jersey along with the white jersey for the best sprinter.
Results
01 P. Ackermann 2:59:11
02 J. Hodeg +0:00
03 M. Trentin +0:00
From the Finish Line
“The team was just amazing, they pulled the whole day at the front of the main field. As we headed into the final lap I was in a perfect position and just finished their great work. It is my first time here in Poland, and to take the win in the opening stage surrounded by so many incredible fans is just the cherry on the top. Tomorrow will be another flat stage and of course I want to defend my jersey.” – Pascal Ackermann
“What can I say, Pascal is just on fire. The boys did a stellar job to protect him and brought him into a perfect position for the final sprint. And he rewarded the team’s perfect teamwork with another impressive win. I am more than happy with today’s result.” – Steffen Radochla, sports director
