Omega Pharma - Quick-Step Cycling Team knew it had a difficult task going into the final stage of Tour de Pologne on Monday. Michal Kwiatkowski, trailing Moreno Moser (Liquigas-Cannondale) by 5" in the GC, would need to pick up all of the crucial sprints in order to take back the yellow jersey. The team, however, did not finish the race lying down. Zdenek Stybar made a breakaway that stayed away until the final few kilometers, and while the race victory in the pouring rain went to John Degenkolb (Argos-Shimano), with Mathew Hayman (Team Sky ProCycling) finishing 2nd and Ben Swift (Team Sky ProCycling) placing 3rd, Omega Pharma - Quick-Step Cycling Team finished the race knowing it took its chances and were within striking distance of an overall victory with young Kwiatkowski.
"The team showed its strengh in this Tour de Pologne" Van Slycke said. "We had a young team here in Poland, riders who are growing up very well. We are satisfied even because we were always protagonists, and we lost the race by only 5 little seconds. For Kwiatkowski it has been a good experience. He learned a lot in these days and he rode as a real leader. It's a pity that Niki and Tom were forced to abandon the race. Their experience could have been important for Michal during the race. But the rest of the team was great, everybody. The race confirmed the trust we put in these guys."
Kwiatkowski was proud of his team and his own effort at Tour de Pologne.
"Today wasn't so easy, especially in the final when it started raining," Kwiatkowski said. "I really couldn't see the rider in front of me because of the rain, it was unbelievable. But today I'm happy, even If I finished second in the GC. I really gave all in this race and there's nothing I can regret. I couldn't do more than this. It's my best result so far, it's a big step in my career and I have to thank my teammates for their help. It was nice to ride in my country. The Polish public here was amazing, they gave me extra motivation. I didn't expect so many people cheering for me. It was an unforgettable moment. Now I will focus on the Olympic road race and then I will take part to the Eneco Tour. I really would like to mantain this condition until the end of the Eneco Tour."