Check out our partner Zipp's interview with UCI Road Racing World Champ Michal Kwiatkowski of Omega Pharma - Quick-Step. Learn more about his race strategy, what went into his wheel choice and more:
You had a great final 2km of racing at the World Championships. At that point, how confident were you that you could stay away for the solo win?
Honestly, I knew that the part from the top of the climb to the finish would have been the hardest because on the descent and flat part, the group behind me would have had a big advantage. But I knew also that it was possible as happened the day before in the Under-23 race. Coming into the last kilometer I looked back a few times and from my point of view, the gap was big enough. But still, I was thinking about staying focused, especially going into the last corner and not wanting to make any stupid mistakes. Three hundred meters before the finish line I knew that I made it. Of course, on television the finish looked like a little "dramatic" because of the camera angle from the front makes the gap appear smaller, but I knew that I had enough time to raise my arms in the air and enjoy the moment.
Was there a point during the race where you did not feel strong? If so, how did you get through that? Your team was very good.
Staying focused for 6 hours riding for someone maybe is too much, but I believe that was the key in that race — to stay focused and believe all the time that I had best team here and we could go for the great result. My Polish teammates supported me so well that I didn't even think for one moment about feeling bad.
What does it mean to be the first Polish winner of the UCI World Road Championship, especially since your victory included such a strong team effort?
Responsibility and honor! Poland just needed that victory. It's like putting the dot over "i." It was an incredible season for Polish riders like Rafal Majka or Przemyslaw Niemiec, so I think we all deserve this title. I hope my victory can help other young talents in Poland to show up one day or another.
Who was the first person you called after your victory?
My girlfriend, Agata. We have been together for 7 years, so I knew her since I was 17. I get a lot of support from her and I'm really thankful for everything she's doing for me.
You went with a 303 Firecrest front and 404 Firecrest wheel for the race. Why did you make that wheel selection? Please also give us your overall impression of Zipp wheels and SRAM RED 22.
In the world championship it was really necessary to stay confident about your equipment because with a technical course you could have a little advantage on that guys who were scared on wet descents or wet corners in the city. Both wheels are perfect for cornering and climbing, but I choose 303 because of the light weight and 404 because it is best for being aerodynamic.
Preparing the right gear was also important because I knew that only on the last lap I would have used the 53 big chainring and 11-28 cassette. I swapped the small chainring from 39 to 42 before the race because the steepest part was around 8 percent gradient, so it was not necessary to use 39. It was a great intuition of the OPQS staff, especially from Davide Bramati.
How do you use your power meter in training? Do you specifically replicate the power demands of racing in your training?
On training... Always! I think I could not train without a power meter anymore. The power meter just tells you everything about your efforts, form and fatigue. During the race, of course I look for power data, but it helps you more to analyze your race afterwards and not really during the competition. In the race you have to try listen to your body and be able to adapt to any race situation.
What about a post-race meal? Did you celebrate in any special way?
I was in shock the whole time so I lost my appetite, but yes of course I had a glass of beer with my teammates when I went back to hotel and after that we went out with all people from Polish Federation, and my all my friends from OPQS who were there in Ponferrada for dinner. Champagne and a good piece of steak were on the menu!