On the other side of the race
Piotr Małecki

The 66th Tour de Pologne UCI Pro Tour found its way on to the global calendar of the International Cycling Union, joining the list of the most important races including Tour de France and Giro d' Italia. Piotr Malecki accompanied the cyclists on this tiresome tour, fighting sharp curves and uphill rides. But it was not the race itself that became the main character of his photographs, but the people who gathered by the road since early morning, often taking brake from work, to cheer the cyclists on their quest. "I remember from my childhood the days of Peace Race, organized yearly in socialist Poland and neighbouring friendly states, when towns were getting empty, beacause everyone was in front of a tele, watching our brave boys compete. The race did not go through my town of Koszalin, where I lived. I never really dreamt of seeing it live, with my own eyes. But if it only had passed my neck of woods, I'd be there with my father, mother and sister, watching the great untouchables roll on their colourful bikes and the armade of cars with spare bikes follow them. When I followed the race this year on my scooter, I found myself captivated by the view that the bikers have - of people standing on the sides of the road, for this short moment seeing the great happening pass them by. It was like if they all stood up to pose for the photo, happily waving from their neck of woods to the great world.