Stage 7 of the 2026 Tour de Pologne is a 12.5 km individual time trial starting and finishing in Wieliczka, offering a flat and technical parcours that rewards pure TT specialists. As the final stage of a 2.UWT stage race, it carries significant GC and prestige implications. The short distance means any small mistake is amplified, putting a premium on aerodynamic efficiency and pacing precision.
★★★★
Top Favorite
Rémi Cavagna is the standout pick for this 12.5 km Wieliczka TT. His average position of 3.0 in recent similar-profile races is the best in the field, and his TT stat of 76 confirms the raw ability to back up that form. Cavagna has made the short flat time trial his signature discipline and arrives here with clear momentum.
Groupama-FDJ
Groupama-FDJ
Rémi Cavagna leads the recent form table with an average position of 3.0 in similar-profile TT races, and his TT stat of 76 places him among the top contenders. The Groupama-FDJ puncheur is a proven time trial specialist who regularly targets these shorter efforts.
★★★
Strong Contenders
Ethan Hayter and Stefan Küng share the top TT stats in the field at 78 and 77 respectively, making them the most statistically gifted riders for this format. Hayter's recent top-10 in a TT-profile race adds confidence, while Küng's Legendary status reflects a career built around stage race time trials. Either could take the stage if Cavagna has an off day.
Soudal Quick-Step
Soudal Quick-Step
Ethan Hayter tops the startlist with a TT stat of 78, the highest in the field, and recorded a top-10 in his most recent similar-profile race. The Soudal Quick-Step rider is a genuine threat over this 12.5 km flat TT in Wieliczka.
Tudor Pro Cycling
Tudor Pro Cycling
Stefan Küng carries a TT stat of 77 and a Legendary card rarity, reflecting his status as one of the most decorated time trialists in the peloton. While his recent form data in similar profiles is limited here, his pedigree over short TTs makes him a strong contender.
★★
Dark Horses
Mikkel Bjerg (8th in his last TT-profile race), Lorenzo Milesi (9th), and Magnus Sheffield (TT stat 77) form a credible second tier. Bjerg and Milesi have demonstrated recent TT competitiveness, while Sheffield's raw engine makes him dangerous even if his most recent TT result was uncharacteristically poor.
Movistar
Movistar
Lorenzo Milesi recorded a 9th place in his most recent similar-profile race, backing up a TT stat of 75. The young Movistar rider has shown consistent TT ability and is worth monitoring on this short course.
INEOS Grenadiers
INEOS Grenadiers
Magnus Sheffield holds a TT stat of 77 tied for second in the field and adds strong climbing (74) that suggests an all-round engine well suited to this effort. Despite a modest 31st in his last TT-profile race, his raw stat makes him a dark horse.
UAE Emirates
UAE Emirates
Mikkel Bjerg posted an average position of 8.0 in his most recent TT-profile race and holds a solid TT stat of 75. The UAE Emirates specialist thrives in flat time trials and could challenge for a podium.
★
Ones to Watch
Finn Fisher-Black showed a top-10 in his last TT-profile race and is an emerging talent at Red Bull-BORA. João Almeida's Legendary card and TT stat of 76 make him a latent threat despite Vuelta preparations. Alec Segaert and Maximilian Schachmann both hold TT stats of 76 and offer the experience and engine to upset the favored names on a short course where anything can happen.
Bahrain Victorious
Bahrain Victorious
Alec Segaert carries a TT stat of 76 and has two recent TT-profile races in his data, though his average position sits at 15.5. The Bahrain Victorious youngster is a promising time trialist whose best may still be ahead of him.
Red Bull - BORA
Red Bull - BORA
Finn Fisher-Black recorded a top-10 in his most recent TT-profile race with an average position of 10.0, pairing it with a TT stat of 74. The Red Bull-BORA youngster is one to watch as he continues to develop his time trial credentials.
UAE Emirates
UAE Emirates
João Almeida holds a TT stat of 76 and a Legendary card, with elite climbing numbers that suggest a powerful engine over any effort. His upcoming Vuelta commitments may mean he is not at peak focus here, but he remains a wildcard threat.
Soudal Quick-Step
Soudal Quick-Step
Maximilian Schachmann posts a TT stat of 76 and solid all-round numbers, making him a versatile threat on this short Wieliczka loop. His recent TT form was disappointing (avg 38th), but his raw ability keeps him in the conversation as an outsider.
Verdict
Rémi Cavagna is the top favorite given his exceptional recent TT form and specialist pedigree, while Ethan Hayter and Stefan Küng — boasting the two highest TT stats in the field — are the primary challengers capable of denying him.