The first stage of 82nd Tour de Pologne was first and maybe last day dedicated to the fast men on this year’s course. In the streets of Legnica, Olav Kooij (Visma | Lease a Bike) was fastest, but Paul Magnier came very close to upsetting the big favourite. The Soudal – Quick-Step ultimately crossed the line in a second place which secured him a start in points classification jersey in stage 2.
“I am pretty content with my result. It was a very hectic finale and I had to find the space to sprint. I am happy I could do that and show my speed, as it gives me confidence for the next sprinters’ stages here in Poland,” Magnier said at the finish. Stage 3 seems to hard for a pure sprinter like the Frenchman, thus his focus will be likely on Thursday’s stage 4 with a short uphill finish in Cieszyn.
The second stage to Karpacz is expected to shake up general classifcation and we should see favourites for overall victory at the thick of action.