Omega Pharma – Quick Step manager Patrick Lefevere couldn’t be pleased with how opening two events of the World Championships in Ponferrada have developed for him, as his riders last two titles in only four days. Openly disappointed, he still promised to dream big ahead of the Sunday’s road race, and even though he was referring mainly to his expectations towards the Belgian national team, rainbow jersey eventually claimed by Michał Kwiatkowski certainly made up for previous losses.

Pleased with a gutsy ride of the 24-year old Pole, Lefevere revealed that he will be forced to pay a high price to keep the World Champion in the Omega Pharma – Quick Step outfit, tenth title holder in his career as team manager.

"[he has a contract for 2015] We are negotiating for 2016-2017. That will cost money. But it is deserved," he said of the 24-year-old who he identified as a rider to watch several years ago.

"Everyone knows or does not know that I've tested Michal as a junior in 2008." he added.

Belgian team manager also revealed that Kwiatkowski was absolutely confident about his chances for a victory after previewing the course around Ponferrada on Wednesday.

Interestingly, he also claimed that while there is a lot more to come from the 24-year old Pole, Peter Sagan (Cannondale) seems to fade just as much as the new rainbow jersey holder grows in strength.

"I'm very proud. Michal is a loyal rider and a super class act. On Wednesday he trained 240 kilometers with the Belgians and did another hour after. He was convinced that he could win.

"At 24 everything is yet to come. Sometimes I have the impression that Sagan is already a bit over it, and that it has yet to begin for Kwiatkowski."