Poland Map World

[Fisseha Aranda]

Round2 of the 2024 UCI Mountain Bike World Series heads to a brand-new, never-raced venue in the city of Bielsko-Biala, Poland. The racing takes place May 17-19 next week, but figured we may as well start talking about it! There's an EDR (round 2) at the venue, too.

We'll kick off another Vital Downhill Fantasy round next week with a RockShox Pike, Troy Lee Designs D4 helmet, FSA Gradient 35 Bar/Stem, and Maxxis Tire prize pack! Start list should be out Thursday for the game to kick off. Really stoked on a new venue and excited to hear what the racers think.

The organizers put a video up on their YouTube a couple of days ago showing some snippets of the top and mid sections. According to the Facebook post that went with it, the hardest technical section is near the bottom.

The dirt, rocks, and roots look great, too. My only concern based on the video is that they're trying to do to much, building jumps and berms and high speed sections instead of just letting the athletes rip up the ground and make a track with their tires. But we'll see what the track actually looks like in 1.5 weeks.

a mom from poland sent us a clip of some berms and a jump at the top of the track. in our insta stories (nothing earth-shattering to see, but passing along anyway) and heard from someone, "not steep, reminds me of killington"

Friendly reminder that everytime we go to a new track or a track gets rebuilt peopl complain that it will be too easy, then the track gets rutted up like crazy after 1 day of practice and then the race is great.

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U.S. citizens are restricted from entering Poland from Belarus and Russia unless they meet one of the exceptions currently in place. You may find the current list of exceptions at the following websites:

U.S. citizens who do not meet one of the listed exceptions, but who want to return/evacuate from Belarus to the United States in transit through Poland or who need to enter Poland for humanitarian reasons, may seek a special permit to enter Poland only at the border crossing point in Brest-Terespol.

Military/Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) Travelers: Active-duty U.S. military personnel may enter Poland under the SOFA with proper Department of Defense (DOD) identification and travel orders. All SOFA family members, civilian employees, and contractors must have valid passports. Active-duty military personnel should obtain a tourist passport before leaving the United States to accommodate off-duty travel. DOD travelers should consult with their unit for clearance before leaving the United States.

If you are transiting Poland en route to other countries, know all entry and exit requirements for your final destination. You may be denied boarding for your connecting flight if you have incorrect documentation or insufficient validity on your passport. If you are denied boarding, you will need sufficient funds and a return airline ticket or an itinerary that does not require re-entry into the Schengen zone in order to return to the United States.

Internet romance and financial scams are prevalent in Poland. Scams are often initiated through Internet postings/profiles or by unsolicited emails and letters. Most scammers pose as U.S. citizens who have no one else to turn to for help.

Technology Usage Abroad: Mobiles Devices are vulnerable to compromise, theft, and physical damage anywhere in the world. Best practices prior to traveling abroad are keeping all software (operating system and apps) updated and use virtual private network and encrypted voice over IP (VoIP) applications if possible. Make sure that all VPN/VoIP are reputable and U.S. based. Do not connect to unknown open Wi-Fi. GPS navigation apps are helpful in getting U.S. citizens around in a foreign country. Prior to using a GPS app, make sure you research the route to make sure it is safe. GPS navigation apps may give you the shortest route without safety considerations. Be cautious of using dating apps/online dating websites abroad as U.S. citizens can be targeted by scammers. Make sure to inform your friends and family of your whereabouts, meet at a well-known public location, and do not consume suspicious food or drinks. Avoid traveling alone to bars or nightclubs.

Tourism: The tourism industry is generally regulated. Rules (with regards to best practices and safety inspections) are regularly enforced. Hazardous areas/activities are identified with appropriate signage and professional staff is typically on hand in support of organized activities. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is widely available throughout the country. Outside of a major metropolitan center, it may take more time for first responders and medical professionals to stabilize a patient and provide life-saving assistance. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers.

Criminal Penalties: You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be arrested, imprisoned, or deported. A U.S. passport will not help you avoid arrest or prosecution.

Arrest Notification: If you are arrested or detained, ask the police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy or Consulate immediately. Under Polish law, a person with Polish and U.S. citizenship is deemed to be a Polish citizen; however, dual U.S.-Polish nationals may still ask to see a U.S. consular officer. See our webpage for further information.

Polish Customs enforces strict regulations concerning the export of items such as works of art. Contact the Polish Embassy in Washington, D.C., or a Polish consulate in Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, or Houston for specific information regarding customs requirements.

Counterfeit and Pirated Goods: Although counterfeit and pirated goods are prevalent in many countries, including Poland, they may still be illegal according to local laws. Possessing or purchasing them is against the law. You may be subject to heavy fines and even imprisonment. You must also relinquish the items if you bring them back to the United States. For more information, see the U.S. Department of Justice website, the Polish Ministry of Finance Customs Department, and the European Commission.

LGBTQI+ Travelers: There are no legal restrictions on either consensual same-sex sexual conduct between adults or the organization of LGBTQI+ events in Poland. Polish law prohibits discrimination in employment on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity and the government enforces these provisions. The social acceptance of LGBTQI+ individuals is not as prevalent as in the United States, though polling indicates tolerance is steadily increasing. Some politicians have made derogatory comments about LGBTQI+ persons. Media have not recently reported on physical and verbal attacks against LGBTQI+ persons, but community members have reported concerns about their physical safety. Travelers identifying openly as LGBTQI+ may face harassment. The practice of so-called conversion therapy is legal and offered on a voluntary basis. See our LGBTQI+ Travel Information page and section six of our Human Rights report for further details.

Travelers with Disabilities: Polish law prohibits discrimination against persons with physical, sensory, intellectual, or mental disabilities, but some discrimination occurs. Polish law states that buildings should be accessible for persons with disabilities, but in practice, many buildings remain inaccessible. Newer public trains, vehicles, and stations may be accessible, but older ones are not. Wheelchair users will find many challenges throughout the country. Service animals are generally allowed in public buildings and on transportation. Pedestrian crossings at intersections in large cities are generally equipped with audible crossing signals.

Adequate medical care is available, but the quality of hospitals and nursing support may not be comparable to U.S. standards in all regions of Poland. Emergency services may be lacking in small towns and rural areas. Physicians are generally well-trained, and many younger doctors speak English (nurses and staff may not). While medication and treatment are generally substantially less costly than in the United States, doctors and hospitals often expect cash payment prior to treatment. Private hospitals usually require advance payment or proof of adequate insurance before admitting a patient. Patients bear all costs for transfer to or between hospitals. Medication, while generally available, may not be U.S. brand-name drugs.

The U.S. government does not pay overseas medical bills. Be aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas. Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance in lieu of payment at the time services are provided.

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