Omega Pharma – Quick-Step Cycling Team rider Michal Kwiatkowski will now wear the Polish colors on his back in the individual time trial discipline.
The 24-year-old won the 40km Polish National TT Championship on Wednesday with a time of 48'33" (49.434 km/h). Maciej Bodnar was 2nd (+27"), and Mateusz Taciak (+2'01") was 3rd.
"I'm really happy about this victory," Kwiatkowski said. "The parcours was quite simple. It wasn't really technical, it was just about pushing the really big gear, so I used a 58x11. The parcours was really fast, but I have to say also I was feeling good since the beginning. The weather was a factor. It was not ideal, as it was raining and the temperature was around 15 degrees (Celsius). But OK, I found my tempo immediately. I was able to balance my effort perfectly along the parcours. I am also happy because it's the first time I won the Polish National TT Championship. So, it's a really nice addition to my palmares. It's special to do well representing your country. It also gives me a good boost of motivation prior to the Tour de France. From Tour de Romandie until this ITT I didn't have the best perception of how my preparation was going for the Tour de France. But now I know I am going in the right direction. Sunday we will have the Polish Road Championship where I get to defend the jersey I have worn since last year. Of course, it won't be easy. The parcours is the same as last year. Michal Golas and I are prepared to try our best to defend my jersey and do well on a parcours that is normally for strong guys."