Brand takes up the breakaway challenge on tough stage two in Poland

It’s been a while since Manxman Sam Brand caught the right breakaway move, but on today’s stage two at the Tour de Pologne the 32-year-old picked the right attack and was part of a strong trio that at one point held ten minutes over the peloton.

With the hilly parcours and summit finish it was always going to be difficult for the Team Novo Nordisk rider and his companions out front to make the move stick as the GC teams ramped up the chase in the second half of the stage. Spanish climber David Lozano and veteran Peter Kusztor.

Head sports director Massimo Podenzana:

“I’m pleased for Sam today, it was stage one in Poland last year when he was last in the breakaway and that’s not for lack of trying, but he needed to make one for his confidence so today that’s job done and let’s how it’s the start of a good period for Sam and the boys.”

“The final wasn’t one for us today and Andrea, David and Peter finished together after slipping back on the final climb. Matyas was unfortunate to crash on the penultimate descent but thankfully he’s ok and Filippo stayed with him until the end of the stage.”

Sam Brand:

“I’m happy to have finally made it back into a breakaway today, it’s been a year and every time I tried it or followed a move it ended up being brought back, so it’s great to have it finally in the bag.”

“I needed this for my confidence, to prove to myself as much as anyone else that I deserve to be here and that I can do my job for the team and the diabetes community around the world. I held on for as long as I could out there, but those climbs finally took their toll and we’re looking ahead to tomorrow now.”