For a year, Michal Kwiatkowski wore the rainbow jersey, the most recognizable and most prestigious tunic in professional cycling alongside the yellow jersey of the Tour de France. Having become world champion in Ponferrada in September 2014 after a stunning solo performance, the 25-year-old Pole was able to deal well with his new status, taking his first big classics win in the Amstel Gold Race. 

If 2015 was a new experience, 2016 will be another new adventure. After four years at Etixx-QuickStep where he was able to prove himself as one of the top riders in the world, Kwiatkowski decided to change teams during the winter and will be joining Chris Froome’s Team Sky. The goal is to progress and target new goals.

Before flying to Mallorca for a training camp with his new team, the former world champion spoke exclusively to VeloPro.fr at the Polish Cycling Gala.

“Of course I enjoyed [my time as world champion],” he told the French site. “It was a new experience for me, a long year with this special jersey. But you know how it goes. Sometimes it goes in the right direction, other times not. At times it's been difficult because of the pressure I put on myself with this jersey. On the other hand, it's been amazing to receive so much support from the fans and the cycling world. I will never forget this season, that's for sure.

”People talk about [the curse of the rainbow jersey] but in the end, our fate is in our hands. And ultimately, in our legs. And it would not have been a good excuse if I had hid behind that. Honestly, all I can say is that I did my maximum. It was incredible to win the Amstel Gold Race with the world champion’s jersey but obviously it was much harder to withdraw from the Tour de France with the same jersey. This abandonment was really the most painful moment of the season. It's already difficult to leave the event under normal cirumstances. Then, with the rainbow sky on your back ... And then to give it away to Peter Sagan at the end of the season was also a hard.

“But he's incredible, it's a fact. He really deserves this jersey. For me, it was obviously been hard to keep it but I think we did our best with my teammates of the Polish team.”

Many were surprised that Kwiatkowski left a leadership role at Etixx-QuickStep to join an already star-studded team.

“It is simply the next step in my career,” he said. “I have improved a lot but I think to keep improving, it was necessary to join an even better team. Sky has accomplished so much in such a short period of time, they have already won three Tours de France, two with Chris (Froome) and one with (Bradley) Wiggins. I think this team really suits me.

“First of all, I know a few guys from home – Chris, of course, and some others. They are really friendly and to be able to be here with them is a pleasure. There’s also their approach to everything concerning the ‘marginal gains’. I really like that. I'm that type of rider who really thinks that everything depends on us, we have to train a lot and try to move forward at every opportunity. I agree with them here.”

However, Kwiatkowski has nothing bad to say about his previous team.

“Those were four fabulous years,” he said. “I am really pleased that this went so well with the team. I have met people who have become true friends, a group of people who really believed in me and always supported me. For my part, I was pleased that they supported me in races on certain occacions. I'm really grateful to Etixx-Quick Step who over the last four years have made me become the rider I am today.”

Etixx-QuickStep manager Patrick Lefevere has said that Kwiatkowski left the team because of a disagreement. Lefevere wanted the Pole to focus on one-day races while Kwiatkowski was more interested in stage races.

”I want to move forward,” the former world champion said. “Frankly, I do not know yet what I want and in what area I want to improve myself next year or in the future. He has the right to say this. I can understand it but I think I still have much to accomplish. In the classics, obviously, but I also want to return to the Tour, for example, to play a real role. Nevertheless, I do not want to focus on a single type of race because I firmly believe that all races are beautiful.
 

”I became world champion in 2014 because I am complete. I had never won that race and I had never won the Amstel Gold Race, if I had the best abilities in the mountains instead of my sprint. This comprehensive profile suits me perfectly. People would like to put me into a box but I'm that type of rider and that will not change for now.”

Kwiatkowski still has grand tour ambitions.

“Yes, because I am convinced that the doors are not closed to me,” he said. “I was able to finish on the podium in one-week stage race, so I think I have the potential to do the same thing over three weeks in the future. But it's still an ongoing learning process. I cannot predict the future.

“I do not know the answer but it is clear that I would have to make more effort than Nairo Quintana to win a stage race. That said, he should also make more efforts to win a classic. It's like that.”

Kwiatkowski has already made some goals for 2016.
 

“One thing is certain: 2016 is an Olympic year,” he said. “I had the chance to check the route of the road race and time trial and of course I'd love to bring home a result at these Olympics, alongside Rafal Majka. Polish cycling is strong enough to fight for a medal. The last four years have been exceptional for us. For the rest, it is still too early to say anything about the program.

“We do not want to change my race program from last year too much. So you will see me early in the season, including in the Amstel Gold Race and Liège-Bastogne-Liège. I also would love to take part in an event alongside Chris Froome, especially the Tour de France. Being with him in such a race would be an incredible experience and feeling.”

In that case, Kwiatkowski would have to play a domestique role.

“That’s cycling,” he said. “You never realize something great without your teammates. And if you look at it closely, I think I was also a guy who was helping others to win races in the past. It's in our nature to play the card of the strongest rider. And then I also have support in the races where I am able to win, so I will help others when they have the best chance.”

In the past Kwiatkowski has mostly excelled in the Ardennes but he has also shown flashes of his talent on the cobbles. Recently, he had a look at the Tour of Flanders course with some of his new teammates.

“I was there with some guys from Sky,” he said. “It was the right time to do it because I was at Boonen & Friends charity race on the Saturday and there was an opportunity to check the route two days later. I do not know yet if I'll do that race in the spring but it was just a good opportunity to go there.”

Two years ago Kwiatkowski started his own cycling academy in Poland.

”It goes really well,” he said. “The last two years have been amazing. To support these groups of teenagers, children, and to be able to help them is just a pleasure for me. We have about hundred by now and it is not going in the wrong direction. You know how kids are: they start to train, and then they stop, then they start again. In any case, there are talents in this academy and I am really proud.

”It's just natural for me. When I was young, I received a lot of support. In cycling, there is a need to provide assistance to others. This is what I do. I have a group of friends and some coaches working at the academy. This is a group of people whom I trust and who have enabled the academy to go in the right direction. I am proud of that.”