After the season, which cannot be unambiguously considered as wasted, but certainly devoided of spectacular results, Omega Pharma - Quick Step’s rider Michal Gołaś found a place in a strengthened roster for 2014. As he admits in an interview for kolarstwo.s24.pl, it’s mainly thanks to his solid work in the role of a domestique, where he proved to be efficient enough, and stresses that as long as maintaining the status quo in team’s hierarchy is satisfactory to him, he does not have to fear of internal rivalries.

Polish cyclist, currently staying on holidays in the Canary Islands, like most professional riders has already begun preliminary his preliminary schedule for 2014 season. The point of reference, when determining the next goals, would be the last year, in which as best results should be regarded 4th place overall in Ster ZLM Toer and finishing 9th in the Tour of Britain's General Classification with claiming second place on stage 5.

Despite the lack of “fireworks”, he managed to maintain a stable, satisfactory form, allowing to serve his leaders well. Polish rider explained that the lack of spectacular performances might result from a number of minor injuries that have adversely coincided in time with his key races of the season.

“I cannot say that it was on the downside, it was without fireworks,” Gołaś evaluates his season.

“ I admit that I had some minor health problems, always in moments of peak form. The Tour of Turkey, the beginning of the Giro d'Italia and the Tour of Britain, there I tried to fight, but I expected more from myself. In terms of sport discipline I stepped to the next level, I’m able to compete with the best in World Tour races. Not only from a breakaway.”

Gołaś acknowledges that the lack of stage wins cast a shadow over his past achievements, but is pleased with his performance at the Tour of Britain, where he would like to start again, with more ambition.

„I failed to win a stage at the Giro and the Tour de Pologne, or to exploit the opportunities I got from the team on larger events, but in the role of a domestique I gave it all to my leaders and it was appreciated.”

“About ToB, I’ve already said during the Giro that I want to go there, because it’s the type of race that I really like. There are always several stages, in which I can find myself competitive,” Polish rider explained why Tour of Britain should be one of his priorities.

Still, looking at the near future, the Giro d'Italia seems to be the main objective for Omega Pharma - Quick Step’s rider.

“At the moment I think of the Giro. I would like to say, in the team like OPQS, that I’d rather ride in the Tour, but look: we can’t complain about a lack of stars in our roster...”

It turns out that the Pole had a place in the roster of the Belgian team secured for a long time, and stable performances only have sealed previously made promises. Regarding a possible rivalry at the top, Gołaś suggests that while new riders do not lack ambition, all decisions have already been taken and there is no place for further discussion.

“Well, for two years they will not let me go, even though I will not beat around the bush: in the current situation in the peloton, rather I should say that I am lucky. There was no need to negotiate much, already during the past year, I heard that I have a place. The stable form only have confirmed it.”

“Internal rivalry is at the top, leaders must have a place for themselves. This year, we all got along well and I know that there are clear plans for next season. There should be no fuss.”