Michal Kwiatkowski
Nationality: Polish
Date of birth: June 2, 1990
Height: 176cm
Weight: 68kg
Team: Team Ineos
Twitter: @michalkwiatek
2014 world champion Michal Kwiatkowski is one of several Polish riders at the top of the WorldTour, as the nation enjoys a stunning cycling resurgence in recent years.
Along with Rafal Majka, Przemysław Niemiec, Bartosz Huzarski and Marcin Białobłocki, Kwiatkowski is leading a new generation of Polish riders on the world stage. But the Team Ineos rider is the best of the current crop, having performed consistently in a variety of races and taken wins at Milan-San Remo, Strade Bianche, Amstel Gold Race and Volta ao Algarve.
An impressive 11th in his debut Tour de France in 2013, Kwiatkowski went on to better things in 2015 with a more focused programme. Attacking the spring Classics, he won Strade Bianche by riding away from Peter Sagan before placing top five in all three of the Ardennes classics.
>>> Michal Kwiatkowski: my year as world champion
Kwiatkowski made a mockery of the so-called curse of the rainbow jersey in 2015, winning the Paris-Nice prologue en route to the young rider's jersey, followed by fourth in the Tour of Flanders and victory in the Amstel Gold Race, finishing a respectable eight in the World Championship road race, three seconds behind Peter Sagan.
In 2017, Kwiatkowski enjoyed his biggest win to date, claiming Milan-San Remo ahead of Sagan after winning Strade Bianche for a second time earlier in the season. The Pole went on to regain his Time Trialling national jersey as he smashed the Polish national championships for the first time since 2014.
2018 also was a successful year, with wins at Tirreno-Adriatico, the Tour de Pologne and Volta ao Algarve. He also played an important role in Thomas' win in the Tour de France.
Whilst 2019 hasn't seen as dazzling results, there has still been much to celebrate, with the Pole often being seen at the pointy end of the race during the TdF, with teammate Bernal taking the overall victory.
Major results: 2017 Milan-San Remo | 2017 Strade Bianche | 2015 Amstel Gold Race | 2015 Paris-Nice prologue | 2014 UCI road world championship | 2014 Strade Bianche | 2014 Volta ao Algarve
Latest
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Michał Kwiatkowski reveals he finished in front group of Milan-San Remo while suffering with broken rib
Michał Kwiatkowski has revealed his finished among the favourites in Milan-San Remo while suffering a broken rib.
By Alex Ballinger • Published
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'We’re inspired by him': Kwiatkowski pays tribute to Nico Portal after perfect team performance at Tour de France
Kwiatkowski says he'll now help his team-mate Richard Carapaz defend the polka-dot jersey after he was given the stage 18 victory
By Jonny Long • Published
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Michał Kwiatkowksi wins first ever Grand Tour stage on Tour de France 2020 stage 18
Michał Kwiatkowski took his first ever Grand Tour stage win on stage 18 of the Tour de France 2020, after being gifted the victory by his team-mate Richard Carapaz.
By Alex Ballinger • Published
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Keeping everyone safe 'not easy' says Greg Van Avermaet, as sweltering Strade Bianche beckons
The peloton will face temperatures into the mid-thirties as Michał Kwiatkowski says the summer heat has made the gravel 'like racing on snow'
By Jonny Long • Published
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Michał Kwiatkowski lets medical staff stay in his apartments for free
Michał Kwiatkowski is the latest rider to show his support for health workers during the coronavirus crisis, offering up free accommodation to those who need it.
By Alex Ballinger • Published
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Flood of tributes to ‘true inspiration’ Nico Portal
A flood of tributes have already poured in to “true inspiration” Nicolas Portal after his death, aged 40.
By Alex Ballinger • Published
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'Hopefully I can find joy from riding my bike’: Michał Kwiatkowski will skip next race after disappointing Tour de France
Michał Kwiatkowski will skip his next race after struggling through the 2019 season, which resulted in a disappointing performance at the Tour de France.
By Alex Ballinger • Published
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Geraint Thomas and Michał Kwiatkowski cleared to continue after Tour of the Basque Country crash
Julian Alaphilippe left bloodied in same crash but initial indications are good for Deceuninck-Quick-Step’s star
By Peter Cossins • Published
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Michał Kwiatkowski ‘100 per cent sure’ Team Sky will find new sponsor
Michał Kwiatkowski said he is ‘100 per cent sure’ Team Sky will find a new sponsor.
By Alex Ballinger • Published