Omrzel Leads GC Challenge at Tour de Hongrie
# Omrzel Leads Team Bahrain Victorious at 47th Tour de Hongrie
Team Bahrain Victorious is gearing up for the 47th edition of the Tour de Hongrie, a thrilling five-stage race spanning 829 kilometers across southern Hungary from Gyula to Veszprém. At the helm of the team’s general classification (GC) aspirations is Jakob Omrzel, supported by a robust lineup featuring Phil Bauhaus, Nikias Arndt, Alessandro Borgo, Rainer Kepplinger, and local hero Attila Valter.
Reflecting on the excitement of racing in his hometown, Valter shared, “It’s really amazing to race in my hometown and in my home country, especially because six years ago this was my last international race in Hungary before 2020, when I won this race. Of course, I raced the National Championships every year, but I have so many great memories from cycling, and the victory at the Tour de Hongrie is definitely one of the best. I’ve done many races since then, so it’s special to come back. We also have several strong Hungarian riders in the peloton, which will make it even more exciting. It’s going to be a great race. A lot of riders enjoy this event, and it’s very well organized. I’m really happy to race in front of the Hungarian fans again. I just want to truly enjoy this race. I’m super excited. I don’t want to put any pressure on myself or set specific goals — I just want to enjoy it as much as possible and meet as many fans as I can along the road.”
In addition to their competitive spirit, Team Bahrain Victorious will debut a special limited-edition helmet featuring the United Shipping logo and the Hungarian flag, celebrating their partnership with the local logistics company during this national tour.
The race features 12 categorized climbs across its five stages, amounting to nearly 5,500 meters of elevation gain. The initial three stages are anticipated to favor sprinters, while stage four represents the queen stage, presenting the only summit finish on a first-category climb in Pécs. The final stage promises an unpredictable challenge with rolling terrain that is set to encourage aggressive racing despite a flat finish.
Team Sports Director Borut Božič expressed confidence in the team’s versatile strengths across both sprint stages and the GC competition. “We have three sprint stages at the beginning where Phil will have his opportunities. He is very motivated, and we expect him to be competitive,” Božič noted. “The final two stages will be key for the general classification, where Jakob is our leader. Stage four will show where he stands, but the last stage will also be demanding. We have a strong group around them with Nikias, Alessandro, Attila on home roads, and the experienced Rainer. We are ready to fight for a strong GC result.”
As the race approaches, Omrzel remains optimistic, saying, “It’s an interesting race for me here in Hungary. With three flat stages and two hilly ones, a lot can happen, and the GC can stay very close heading into the final stages. My form is improving, and I’ll give my best throughout the week. The last two stages will be intense and explosive, but with belief and a strong team around me, we can aim for a podium.”
Fans and competitors alike are eagerly anticipating the excitement and challenges that the Tour de Hongrie will bring.
