Estimated reading time: 2 minutes
Tour de Pologne, the annual cycling extravaganza in Central Europe, has a rich history that dates back to its inception in Warsaw on September 7, 1928. Over the years, it has evolved into one of the region’s premier sporting events. Czesław Lang, the current Director General of Tour de Pologne, emphasizes the importance of both preserving its heritage and looking ahead to the future.
The first race, officially named “I Bieg Kolarski Dookoła Polski,” featured 71 cyclists who embarked on an eight-stage journey covering a total distance of 1491 km. Ultimately, 43 riders crossed the finish line in Warsaw, with Feliks Więcek emerging as the victor.
Dziś mija 95 lat od startu pierwszej edycji Wyścigu Dookoła Polski. 7 września 1928 roku z warszawskiego toru na Dynasach wyruszyło 71 kolarzy. Pierwsza edycja miała osiem etapów.
— Tour de Pologne (@Tour_de_Pologne) September 7, 2023
📷 ze zbiorów Muzeum Sportu i Turystyki w Warszawie pic.twitter.com/jQKh1wPCa7
A Journey Through History
Tour de Pologne has weathered ups and downs, even during the era of communism when it competed for attention with the famed Wyścig Pokoju. Nonetheless, it remained a symbol of national pride and resilience, capturing the hearts of both athletes and spectators.
Czesław Lang, a former Olympic silver medalist, took charge of organizing the event in 1993. His vision was to transform Tour de Pologne into a world-class race, a dream that has since become a reality. The race now holds a prestigious spot in the UCI World Tour, attracting top cycling teams and international recognition.
As Tour de Pologne continues to thrive, it serves not only as a sporting spectacle but also as a platform for promoting Poland and its businesses. The race’s success is a source of pride for Lang, who understands the responsibility that comes with it. Tour de Pologne remains a cherished tradition, honoring its past while embracing an exciting future.