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inside World Champ Kwiatkowski Talks with Zipp 7/11/14 - 13:06

Check out our partner Zipp's interview with UCI Road Racing World Champ Michal Kwiatkowski of Omega Pharma - Quick-Step. Learn more about his race strategy, what went into his wheel choice and more:

 

You had a great final 2km of racing at the World Championships. At that point, how confident were you that you could stay away for the solo win?
Honestly, I knew that the part from the top of the climb to the finish would have been the hardest because on the descent and flat part, the group behind me would have had a big advantage. But I knew also that it was possible as happened the day before in the Under-23 race. Coming into the last kilometer I looked back a few times and from my point of view, the gap was big enough. But still, I was thinking about staying focused, especially going into the last corner and not wanting to make any stupid mistakes. Three hundred meters before the finish line I knew that I made it. Of course, on television the finish looked like a little "dramatic" because of the camera angle from the front makes the gap appear smaller, but I knew that I had enough time to raise my arms in the air and enjoy the moment.

Was there a point during the race where you did not feel strong? If so, how did you get through that? Your team was very good.
Staying focused for 6 hours riding for someone maybe is too much, but I believe that was the key in that race — to stay focused and believe all the time that I had best team here and we could go for the great result. My Polish teammates supported me so well that I didn't even think for one moment about feeling bad.

What does it mean to be the first Polish winner of the UCI World Road Championship, especially since your victory included such a strong team effort?
Responsibility and honor! Poland just needed that victory. It's like putting the dot over "i." It was an incredible season for Polish riders like Rafal Majka or Przemyslaw Niemiec, so I think we all deserve this title. I hope my victory can help other young talents in Poland to show up one day or another.

Who was the first person you called after your victory?
My girlfriend, Agata. We have been together for 7 years, so I knew her since I was 17. I get a lot of support from her and I'm really thankful for everything she's doing for me.

You went with a 303 Firecrest front and 404 Firecrest wheel for the race. Why did you make that wheel selection? Please also give us your overall impression of Zipp wheels and SRAM RED 22.
In the world championship it was really necessary to stay confident about your equipment because with a technical course you could have a little advantage on that guys who were scared on wet descents or wet corners in the city. Both wheels are perfect for cornering and climbing, but I choose 303 because of the light weight and 404 because it is best for being aerodynamic.

Preparing the right gear was also important because I knew that only on the last lap I would have used the 53 big chainring and 11-28 cassette. I swapped the small chainring from 39 to 42 before the race because the steepest part was around 8 percent gradient, so it was not necessary to use 39. It was a great intuition of the OPQS staff, especially from Davide Bramati.

How do you use your power meter in training? Do you specifically replicate the power demands of racing in your training?
On training... Always! I think I could not train without a power meter anymore. The power meter just tells you everything about your efforts, form and fatigue. During the race, of course I look for power data, but it helps you more to analyze your race afterwards and not really during the competition. In the race you have to try listen to your body and be able to adapt to any race situation.

What about a post-race meal? Did you celebrate in any special way?
I was in shock the whole time so I lost my appetite, but yes of course I had a glass of beer with my teammates when I went back to hotel and after that we went out with all people from Polish Federation, and my all my friends from OPQS who were there in Ponferrada for dinner. Champagne and a good piece of steak were on the menu!

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inside OPQS' Aldag Breaks Down Key Factors in Kwiatkowski's World Title 5/11/14 - 13:09

OPQS partner Zipp had the chance to chat with Rolf Aldag, OPQS sport and development manager, about Michal Kwiatkowski's recent UCI Road World Championship:

Before the race, did you sense that Michal was on form for a great world championship? He has had a great season but also has done a lot of hard racing this year. People saw him as a contender but not a top favorite.

Correct, Michal was one of the favorites, but for sure not "the" favorite. We knew that we was in good shape and ready. Michal spent some time at the OPQS team hotel after the TTT in a relaxed atmosphere and our sports directors made him aware of the his chances, trying to give him extra self confidence, without putting pressure on him. It was a special race for him as he is always proud to represent his country, and he had the role of a sole leader with the full support from his team. Winning is in Michal's nature, and he took his chance. He wasn't maybe the biggest favorite, but turned out to be the rider who deserved this win the most!

What about Michal makes him such a special rider? Is it his aggressiveness to attack? Tactical sense?
We all believe in Michal's talent, and we know that he takes the preparation for his season goals very, very serious. He has the instinct to do the right thing when his moment comes, but does not only base it on emotions. He is able to analyze a situation very quickly and makes the best decision. His learning skills during the race make him very competitive, especially during Worlds, where he has to ride the same lap over and over.

What did you make of Michal's choice of riding a front 303 Firecrest and rear 404 Firecrest? It was an interesting one given the course and conditions. We at Zipp know you love for riders to think about aerodynamics and wheel choice.
The wheel choice is never an easy one. You have to consider the performance on that course, but also the feeling the rider has. On top of it you have to be inside the UCI regulation of 6.8kg of a minimum weight.

Michal is rider who is really interest in data. He knows the performance advantage of different aero wheels and considered all the facts before he made the choice -- obviously a good choice.

What stands out with you about how Michal races and trains using his Quarq power meter. His power data really seemed to tell the story of his and his team's strategy.
Michal and his trainer, Koen Pelgrim, live roughly 2,000km away from each other. They are used to break things down in numbers to plan Michal's training and racing. That means that Michal is very familiar with power data. It is not only something that he sees on the display, it us something that he can work with, that he can interpret and use during races.... That mix is very important to get the best out of the adrenalin in the final of Worlds and the clean scientific power facts.

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