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30 July sees the world's top cyclists set off on Polish roads to fight for victory in the 79th  Tour de Pologne UCI World Tour. Over 1,200 kilometres, divided into 7 demanding and spectacular stages -  Kielce is the starting point for the competition. The grand finale is traditionally staged in Krakow's Błonia Park.

- We cordially invite you to participate in this event, a celebration of sport and cycling. I am glad that Targi Kielce, together with the Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship and the City of Kielce, sponsors the first stage of the 79th   Tour de Pologne - said Czesław Lang, General Director of the race during the conference in Targi Kielce, adding - Being a partner of one of the most important cycling events, a part of the World Tour is true prestige. Long hours of television broadcasts makes it possible to present your offer to fans.

The history dates back to 1928, when the Cycling Run Around Poland started. That was the beginning of the Tour de Pologne -  the race is one of Poles' favourite sporting events of international renown. Every year, millions of cycling enthusiasts watch the struggles of the best competitors. Not only in front of their TV, there is a large group which follows them from city to city, supporting and cheering. In 2022, the motto of the Tour de Pologne is "Race for Peace".

Sport has always accompanied various events organised at Targi Kielce. We are the home for Kielce Bike Expo, gathering enthusiasts and manufacturers of bicycles. Our events are regularly visited by athletes, such as:  Piotr Żyła, Kamil Stoch, cyclist Maja Włoszczowska and Mariusz Pudzianowski. Targi Kielce for six years sponsored the handball team, then known under the name of VIVE TARGI KIELCE. Now, apart from the city and the province, we sponsor the start of the biggest cycling event in Poland, Tour de Pologne - said President of Targi Kielce,  Andrzej Mochoń, not concealing his excitement.

During the conference, the present Deputy Marshal of the Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship, Marek Bogusławski, did not conceal his joy that the cyclists participating in the race would return to the Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship after 8 years' break.  - Their return to the Świętokrzyskie region is an opportunity to present its values and wonderful places. And there is a plethora of marvelous spots. - said the Deputy Marshal. Marcin Chłodnicki, Deputy Mayor of the City of Kielce, echoed these words adding  - The race will start from the very center of Kielce, from the Kielce Market Square. I am glad that as the Mayor of Kielce, also a huge fan of bicycles, I can now sit next to Mr. Czesław Lang, signing a contract related the organisation of the first stage of this race in Kielce.

Documents were signed during the conference; this is the conformation that Kielce is the start-line home. Thus the capital of the Świętokrzyskie Mountains officially entered the cycling map of Poland. The Kielce Market Square will witness the cyclists set off on Saturday, July 30. The day before, this will be the venue for the ceremonial presentation of all teams and cyclists participating in the competition.

A year ago, Portuguese João Pedro Gonçalves Almeida from the Deceuninck - Quick Step was victorious. This year's battle promises to be extremely impressive, and the first stage from Kielce to Lublin, 217 km long, will see the first leader of the race. Given the always growing interest of the the Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship's inhabitants in bicycles, advancing the road and cycling infrastructure in the region which was once famous for cycling, Targi Kielce, together with the city of Kielce and the Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship's authorities have resolved to partner this year's Tour de Pologne, Poland's largest cycling event!

(ŁK)