Team Sky's Michal Kwiatkowski smashes course to win Polish time trial championship title
Kwiatkowski beat Marcin Bialoblocki by over a minute to claim his second national TT jersey
Team Sky's Michal Kwiatkowski stormed to victory in the Polish Road National Championships individual time trial, beating the second placed rider Marcin Bialoblocki (CCC Sprandi Polkowice) by 1-15 over the 39.6km course.
>>> British Road National Championships 2017 time trial start list
The 27-year-old former world road race champion clocked 49-42 over the course in Krokowa, claiming his second national time trial title with Bialoblocki in second and defending champion Maciej Bodnar further back at 1-31 in third place.
Kwiatkoski last won the national time trial title in 2014, and having won the road race title in 2013, will be looking to double up again on national championship wins with the road race this weekend.
He'll likely debut his new time trial colours in the opening 14km time trial of the 2017 Tour de France in Düsseldorf, Germany. Though Team Sky are yet to confirm their line-up for the Tour, Kwiatkowski is a strong favourite to line-up in support of Chris Froome after a phenomenal season.
The Pole won his first Monument in an unexpected victory at Milan-San Remo, having taken a second career victory at Strade Bianche not long before in March.
He then narrowly missed out on a second career victory at the Amstel Gold Race, where he finished runner-up to Philippe Gilbert (Quick-Step), before rounding of the Ardennes Classics with third place at Liège-Bastogne-Liège.
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
Kwiatkowski then resumed racing after the Ardennes at the Critérium du Dauphiné in early June, putting in a strong showing in support of Froome in the mountains.
Despite all that, Kwiatkowski said Wednesday's win in his home championships was one of his strongest rides ever.
"Today was one of my best days ever on a bike," he said after the finish.
"I felt very strong from the start, despite it beginning uphill and with a headwind. I had great support from my family and (Team Sky carer) Marek Sawicki."
National championships around the world take place the week, with most time trials taking places on Wednesday and Thursday and road races this coming weekend on Friday and Saturday.
Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Follow on Twitter: @richwindy
Richard is digital editor of Cycling Weekly. Joining the team in 2013, Richard became editor of the website in 2014 and coordinates site content and strategy, leading the news team in coverage of the world's biggest races and working with the tech editor to deliver comprehensive buying guides, reviews, and the latest product news.
An occasional racer, Richard spends most of his time preparing for long-distance touring rides these days, or getting out to the Surrey Hills on the weekend on his Specialized Tarmac SL6 (with an obligatory pub stop of course).
-
Rapha's loss, your gain: prices slashed sitewide amid profitability concerns
The British clothing brand unveils an almost unheard-of 25% discount across its entire product range
By Hannah Bussey Published
-
A phone app saved my life after a crash, you shouldn't ride anywhere remote without it
Having taken a life-threatening tumble while out riding on the UK's South Downs, John Powell is coming back from the brink
By Chris Marshall-Bell Published
-
'With a few changes, it'll be class' - Josh Tarling optimistic about Ineos Grenadiers future
'Everybody wants to get better and get back to winning,' 20-year-old tells audience at Rouleur Live
By Tom Davidson Published
-
'We've had a difficult year, I've had a difficult year' - Tom Pidcock hints at Ineos Grenadiers tension
Speaking at Rouleur Live, the 25-year-old also revealed that he hasn't enjoyed racing at the last two Tours de France
By Adam Becket Published
-
Ineos Grenadiers to partner with German development team for 2025
Ineos set to partner with German Continental squad Lotto Kern-Haus PSD Bank as an official development partner
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Where next for Ineos Grenadiers, now Steve Cummings has officially left?
After the Director of Racing's exit, the Tom Pidcock saga needs a final resolution before the team can move forward
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Ineos' Director of Racing, Steve Cummings, confirms he is leaving the team after not attending a race since June
Announcement comes after months of uncertainty surrounding Cummings' position
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
'I never thought I'd really leave the team': Luke Rowe opens up on his reasons for departing Ineos Grenadiers
Welsh road captain is heading to Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale to become a sports director
By Adam Becket Published
-
Ineos Grenadiers announce 'highly motivated, hungry and ambitious' new performance structure for 2025
New sports directors, lead performance coach and head of performance support announced, among other changes
By Adam Becket Published
-
'I can help get the team back to where it was' - 20-year-old Artem Shmidt looks to the future after Ineos Grenadiers' disappointing season
Shmidt hoping to help revitalise team backed by Jim Ratcliffe after season of woes and as star rider Tom Pidcock gets set to move on
By Tom Thewlis Published