After his poor performance in the Criterium du Dauphiné, Michal Kwiatkowski received an important boost of confidence when he won today's Polish national TT championships. The Pole is now convinced that he is going in the right direction and has set his sights on defending his road race title on Sunday.

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.”