Paul Lapeira of Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale won stage 2 of the Tour de Pologne, achieving an unexpected victory at Karpacz. Despite not being a pre-stage favorite, Decathlon established their presence at the base of the challenging climb. After key competitors faltered, Lapeira took the lead with a strategic move 150 meters from the finish line. This victory marked Lapeira's second WorldTour win and his first-ever stage race lead, signifying a turnaround after a difficult start to the season.
"It was a very hard-fought win, there was a lot of tension in the last 60 kilometres," Lapeira said afterwards. "The team did a great job to get me up there in the final, and having the confidence in my legs made the difference."
"After Sheffield was swamped, and digs by top contenders like Jan Christen (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) and Finn Fisher-Black (Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe) fizzled out too early, the former French National Champion made his move and darted away 150 metres from the line."
"Not considered a pre-stage favourite for the short but punishing climb at Karpacz in south-west Poland, Decathlon nonetheless made their presence known at the foot of the three-kilometre, 6.7% ascent."
"Lapeira claimed the second WorldTour victory of his four-year career... but equally important, the Frenchman also netted his first-ever stage race lead."
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