Tour of Poland 2015 – Stage 7 Preview
By David Hunter
Krakow – Krakow 25km
The orgaisners have kept faith with the course used in 2014 and the riders have to tackle a flat, untechnical TT.
The route is a typical, out and back style, favoured by a lot of races. The lack of corners, makes it one for the big engines. You need to be able to maintain a high level of watts, for a long period of time. Sprinting and bike handling skills are not really required.
In 2014, Kristof Vandewalle, was the surprise winner. He beat Adriano Malori by 3 seconds, with Steve Cummings finishing in 3rd, at 10 seconds. Notable riders in the top 10 were Ion Izagirre and Christophe Riblon. Rafal Majka finished in 13th and won the GC by 8 seconds, to Izagirre.
The TT specialists riding this race are: Bodnar, Kwiatkowski, Cataldo, Kiryienka, Howson, Sergent, Zakarin and Gretsch. Not really a stunning list of riders. Kwiatkowski is still out of form and unlikely to turn it around in a TT. The door is open for the GC riders to take the stage win and the overall title.
Zakarin is the biggest threat. He would have beaten Tony Martin in the Romandie TT, he can be that good. On that occasion, a puncture cost him the stage, but he still won the GC. He looked on the limit today, but this flat TT should be great for him.
As we know from previous editions, Ion Izagirre, is a solid TT rider. After being so close, will it eventually be his turn to taste glory? The Spaniard needs to make 15 seconds on Ulissi and Henao. The Colombian can do a good TT, despite what you might think, especially as he is in good form. The same goes for Ulissi. On his day, he can deliver a great TT.
That is the beauty of this stage, quite a few riders could win the stage and GC. Zakarin is sitting 27 seconds behind Henao and Ulissi and 13 seconds behind Izagirre. If he produces the form he has already shown this season, he will take the title and probably the stage.
Of the specialists, Bodnar, Sergent and Kiryienka, are the ones to watch. Kiri is a great TT rider but does prefer longer riders. Bodnar would prefer a shorter stage! Sergent has been doing solid work on the front of the bunch, he should go well.
Prediction Time
If he can produce his Romandie form, Zakarin will take the lot!
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