Pasmem Gór Świętokrzyskich

Pasmem Gór Świętokrzyskich was a road cycling race held in the Świętokrzyskie Mountains in Poland during the years 1951–1956, 1959–1963, 1967–1985, 1987–1989, and 2002–2003.

The race, first won by Józef Kapiak in 1951, played a significant role in developing and popularizing cycling in the Świętokrzyskie region. Held 35 times, it often served as a key test of form for Poland's national team cyclists before major international events, such as the World Championships and Summer Olympics. The race attracted generations of Poland's top cyclists, including Stanisław Królak, Ryszard Szurkowski, Stanisław Szozda, Tadeusz Mytnik, Czesław Lang, and Zbigniew Piątek.

The inaugural race, originally called the Nationwide Świętokrzyskie Cycling Race, took place on 19 August 1951. The route started in Kielce, passed through Końskie and Skarżysko-Kamienna, and finished at the Kielce stadium on Ściegiennego Street. Józef Kapiak, representing Legia Warszawa, won by gaining an advantage near Zagnańsk.^[1] Three hours later, cyclists competed in an Australian pursuit race at the Gwardia Kielce stadium, watched by approximately 3,000 spectators.^[2]

In 1952, Stanisław Królak, early in his career, won, narrowly beating his cousin Henryk Łasak. Harsh weather and a poorly prepared early section meant only 17 of 53 cyclists finished.^[3] Królak won again in 1955, but in 1956, he lost a sprint finish to Marian Więckowski. From 1959 to 1962, the race primarily featured regional cyclists, with Franciszek Kosela and Edward Błaszczyk of SHL Kielce each winning twice.^[4]

By 1963, the race regained national prominence and grew in prestige, becoming a critical preparation event for international competitions.^[5] On 28 August 1972, the 17th edition saw Zbigniew Krzeszowiec of Piast Gliwice win, though five others recorded the same time.^[6]

In 1973, the race was renamed the Grand Prix of the Świętokrzyskie Mountains and expanded to four stages, including a time trial and a criterium.^[5]

The first race in the new format began with a surprise: Mieczysław Klimczyk of Świt Wolica won the time trial, beating Ryszard Szurkowski by 44 seconds. Szurkowski won the next two stages and, despite being outpaced by Stanisław Szozda in the final stage, claimed overall victory, receiving a porcelain trophy from Ćmielów.^[7]

In 1974, the final stage saw multiple breakaways. A decisive move at 88 km involved seven riders, with ten more joining by 120 km. Andrzej Kaczmarek won the stage, followed by Henryk Woźniak and Marian Nawrot, all with the same time. Stanisław Boniecki won the overall classification, beating Jan Baćkowski by seven seconds.^[8]

Subsequent years saw victories by prominent Polish cyclists, including Tadeusz Mytnik (1975), Czesław Lang (1977), and Jan Jankiewicz (1980).^[9] The race typically comprised three or four stages, with the Kielce criterium being the most spectacular. In 1979, cyclists competed on the newly built Tor Kielce in Miedziana Góra, with Jarosław Grodzki winning the first stage held there.^[9]

In 1981, the race reverted to a single stage on Tor Kielce (104 km, 25 laps). Harsh weather and a demanding course meant only 14 of 64 starters finished. Zbigniew Szczepkowski won, outsprinting Czesław Lang and Adam Zagajewski.^[10]

In 1982, Sławomir Lewandowski secured victory with a solo breakaway in the final stage. Five pursuing riders took a wrong turn on Lenin Street, losing nearly a minute. The leader after three stages, Lechosław Michalak, finished later, dropping to second overall.^[11] Other winners in the 1980s included Andrzej Serediuk (1984), Andrzej Mierzejewski (1985, 1987), and Jacek Bodyk (1989).^[10]

In 2002, Świętokrzyskie Cycling Association president Marian Forma revived the race. Zbigniew Piątek won, narrowly beating Kazimierz Stafiej after both chose not to sprint, but judges awarded Piątek the victory by centimeters.^[12] In 2003, the 35th edition was won by Wojciech Pawłak, who outsprinted breakaway companions, including Łukasz Bodnar.^[13]

• Michniak, M.; Pawłowski, A. (2000). Cykliści z Gór Świętokrzyskich [Cyclists from the Świętokrzyskie Mountains] (in Polish). Kielce: Słowo Kibica. ISBN 83-909812-3-8.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: ref duplicates default (link)