After looking off his best at Strade Bianche last weekend, Michal Kwiatkowski is using Tirreno-Adriatico to find some form after a bug forced him out of the Volta ao Algarve. 

Sky’s new signing says he has to find form as he is expected to lead Sky in lots of races in 2016 and beyond.

“I’m one of the leaders [in Sky], and I want to prove sooner or later that I’m able to win in the Classics or stage races,” he told Cycling Weekly. He repeated it so it was clear. “I’m one of the leaders.”

The 25 year old is currently level with teammate Wout Poels, who is on form, at Tirreno and says leadership will be decided on Sunday’s queen stage, depending on how both men feel.

“It depends how the race is going to go. Until now we are both together in the front and not losing any time, so it’s always better to have two cards to play,” Kwiatkowski added.

Following the team time trial and a hard stage two where Kwiatkowski was with the best all the time, he says he feels he is back to his best ahead of Milan-Sanremo, Pais Vasco and the Ardennes.

“It was a pity that I was sick before Algarve because I couldn’t compete over there. I always love to start the season there. After yesterday, though, I feel that I’m on schedule. I didn’t have a great feeling in Strade Bianche, but the team time trial and [stage two] gave me more optimism for the upcoming races and even here in Tirreno.”