Majka, Kwiatkowski and Niewiadoma give Poland options at Innsbruck Worlds

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Rafal Majka climbs toward Balcón de Bizkaia during stage 17 at the Vuelta(Image credit: Bettini Photo)

The Polish national team is heading to Innsbruck, Austria, with six spots for both the elite women’s and men’s road race, and with cards to play on what some call the toughest World Championships route in over two decades.

“We’re in a comfortable position, both Majka and Kwiatkowski can do a very good race here. Perhaps we decide to go with two leaders, perhaps one. A variant similar to the 2016 Olympics is also on the table. We will discuss it. Those six riders know each other, they know why they are going to the Worlds. They [Kwiatkowski and Majka] don’t have, and they never have had, problems with working together,” Wadecki told Cyclingnews over the phone from Innsbruck.

Kwiatkowski, who has already accumulated 58 days since beginning of June, will line up for team time-trial event with Team Sky tomorrow, then on Wednesday for the individual time-trial and finally, on Sunday, for the road race. With two Grand Tours and the Tour of Poland under his belt, and with little rest between races, he is most likely going to play a free role and, as at to 2016 Olympics, will use his tactical skills to guide Majka into the prime position in 259km race.

Majka has shown signs of form but has so far has had an average season. A failed GC offensive at the Tour de France forced him to refocus on stage wins both in France and at the Vuelta a Espana. The 28-year-old came close on a number of occasions but didn't manage to salvage his year with a win. In Innsbruck he will be looking to showcase his climbing prowess on the circuit, which is marked by seven laps of an 8km climb and then the grand finale on the hellish slopes of Gramartboden and descent back to Innsbruck.