World Champion Michał Kwiatkowski experienced a very promising start to the 2015 season, but things haven't gone in line with his expectations since then. Not discouraged by a streak of disappointments, Etixx-Quick Step rider remains confident ahead of his rainbow jersey defence in Richmond.

"I would love to spend another year in the rainbow jersey," Kwiatkowski told Cyclingnews ahead of the Grand Prix Cycliste de Quebec last Friday. "It is the dream of every rider, and for sure, it is one of mine."

Last year Kwiatkowski perfectly timed his attack in the final kilometers of the undulating circuit around Spanish Ponferrada, strongly supported by nine-man Polish squad. Poland won't enjoy a similar privilege this time around entitled to line up at the start of the road race with six riders, but inclusion of Vuelta a Espana podium finisher Rafał Majka could be a game-changer.

Seasoned professional riders Bodnar, Gołaś, Marczyński and Paterski are expected to complete the line-up.

The parcours in Richmond is considered less demanding than the Ponferrada circuit, but still should favour Ardennes classics specialists with short steep climbs and a cobbled sector. Defending world champion hasn't seen the route yet, but realizes that a final outcome of the race will strongly depend on how the favourites decide to play it.

"I haven't seen the course yet and I've only seen profiles on YouTube or from hearing things about the course from other riders," Kwiatkowski said. "As always it will depend on how the peloton wants to play, how the riders want to play and how the weather will play a factor in the race. For me right now, I heard it is a really hard finish and could come down to the very last kilometre."

Disappointed by his Tour de France and Tour de Pologne appearances in the summer, Etixx-Quick Step rider headed to altitude training camp held in Livigno before participating in Canadian one-day races. Following a similar schedule paid-off last year and Kwiatkowski believes that racing in North America rather than the Vuelta should make an even bigger difference this season with World Championships held in Richmond.

"I believe that racing in Quebec was the best preparation for Worlds," Kwiatkowski said. "Being in North America already will help the riders adapt quicker than other riders who chose to stay over in Europe or who were racing at the Vuelta a Espana.

"I believe my condition is good for the road race at Worlds. It would be nice to have positive vibes after the two races in Quebec and to be optimistic going into the World Championships."