Michal Kwiatkowski confirmed to leave Etixx-Quick-Step
Etixx-Quick-Step boss Patrick Lefevere confirms that world champion Michal Kwiatkowski will leave the team at the end of the year, with Team Sky most likely to sign him
World champion Michal Kwiatkowski will leave Etixx-Quick-Step at the end of the season, team boss Patrick Lefevere confirmed to Sporza on the second Tour de France rest day.
One of the reasons for the Pole's departure is his desire to go after the general classification at the Tour, which Lefevere wasn't keen for him to do.
Kwiatkowski is reportedly likely to join Team Sky, from who he has already received an offer from. He said before the Tour that he would prefer to stay at Etixx, but has seemingly had a change of heart.
"Two years ago Kwiatkowski completely cracked in order to be eleventh in the Tour. That's why I advised him not to go for GC. He was pretty mad at me," Lefevere told Sporza.
"That's one of the reasons that Kwiatkowski will leave us. But a rider is like a car. You can have a big engine but you also have your body. If he is 10 kilograms heavier than the real climbers, Quintana will always drop him."
If he joins Team Sky it's unlikely that Kwiatkowski will be given free rein to go for the GC in the Tour, but he would undoubtedly lead the team in the Ardennes Classics.
Under UCI regulations, teams and riders cannot discuss transfers until August 1, although negotiations between agents often happens well before that date.
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
What are your Tour de France memories?
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
Stuart Clarke is a News Associates trained journalist who has worked for the likes of the British Olympic Associate, British Rowing and the England and Wales Cricket Board, and of course Cycling Weekly. His work at Cycling Weekly has focused upon professional racing, following the World Tour races and its characters.
-
At just 5.5kg for under £1,000, Harley Widdowson's Scott CR1 Team hill climb special proves you can save the pennies and the pounds
Weighing just 5.5kg, and costing less than a grand, light and cheap can co-exist if you know where to look
By Luke Friend Published
-
The land of legends: Riding on Tadej Pogačar's home roads
As part of our New Worlds issue in Travel Month, Chris Marshall Bell travelled to Slovenia to find out why it produces so many WorldTour riders per head of population.
By Chris Marshall-Bell Published
-
Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl release 2022 kit from new partners Castelli
The Italian clothing brand will make the Belgian team's kit until at least 2024
By Adam Becket Published
-
Patrick Lefevere says Vuelta a España suits Evenepoel but doesn't want him given favourite status
The young Belgian abandoned the Giro d'Italia in 2021 after 18 stages
By Tim Bonville-Ginn Published
-
Mauri Vansevenant and Rémi Cavagna recovering after car hit them at training camp
The French road race champion suffered a fractured L1 vertebrae with the Belgian breaking his thumb
By Tim Bonville-Ginn Published
-
'He turned pro too early': Eddy Merckx just can't stop commenting on Evenepoel
The cycling legend has happily voiced his opinion on the young Belgian multiple times during the rider's short career
By Tim Bonville-Ginn Published
-
WATCH: Emotional behind the scenes footage of Mark Cavendish's first stage win at the 2021 Tour de France
His reaction to victory on stage four is a part of a docuseries created by Deceuninck - Quick-Step
By Ryan Dabbs Published
-
Mark Cavendish signs one-year contract extension with Deceuninck - Quick-Step
The Manxman has finally put pen to paper on a new deal that keeps him at the Belgian team until the end of 2022
By Ryan Dabbs Published
-
Deceuninck CEO states women's cycling is a factor in Alpecin-Fenix switch: 'We discussed that at Quick-Step, but Patrick is Patrick'
The Belgian company leaves Quick-Step at the end of 2021, after three seasons with the team
By Ryan Dabbs Published
-
Patrick Lefevere reacts to Deceuninck joining Alpecin-Fenix: 'I have absolutely no problem with it'
Deceuninck and Quick-Step will end their partnership after three years together at the end of the year
By Ryan Dabbs Published