Poland’s Michal Kwiatkowski won the 2014 UCI World Championship road race by one second after breaking clear 6.1km from the finish, Australia and Orica-GreenEdge rider Simon Gerrans was second with Spain’s Alejandro Valverde third.
The 24 year old Kwiatkowski made his initial move before the final climb chasing and catching the break of four riders, Cyril Gautier, Michael Valgren Anderson, Vasil Kiryienka and Allesandro De Marchi before attacking and dropping two riders at first and then with another big acceleration dropping Valgren Andersona and De Marchi. Behind these riders the peloton containing Valverde, Gerrans, Philippe Gilbert and Greg Van Avermaet didn’t react fast enough and were not able to close the gap to Michal Kwiatkowski who had enough time to sit up and celebrate the win before crossing the finish line.
“Two days ago I watched the U23 race and I knew it was possible to do this type of win, especially in the race. I just did my effort and had a little bit of gap. This is just incredible.” Kwiatkowski said.
2014 Elite Men’s World Championship Results
1. Michal KWIATKOWSKI, (POL), in 6:29:07
2. Simon GERRANS, (AUS), at :01
3. Alejandro VALVERDE BELMONTE, (ESP), at :01
4. Matti BRESCHEL, (DEN), at :01
5. Greg VAN AVERMAET, (BEL), at :01
6. Tony GALLOPIN, (FRA), at :01
7. Philippe GILBERT, (BEL), at :04
8. Alexander KRISTOFF, (NOR), at :07
9. John DEGENKOLB, (GER), at :07
10. Nacer BOUHANNI, (FRA), at :07
11. Fabian CANCELLARA, (SUI), at :07
12. Ben SWIFT, (GBR), at :07
13. Sonny COLBRELLI, (ITA), at :07
14. Michael MATTHEWS, (AUS), at :07
15. Ramunas NAVARDAUSKAS, (LTU), at :07
16. Daryl IMPEY, (RSA), at :07
17. Maciej PATERSKI, (POL), at :07
18. Bauke MOLLEMA, (NED), at :07
19. Warren BARGUIL, (FRA), at :07
20. Michael Valgren ANDERSEN, (DEN), at :07
Watch highlights of Michal Kwiatkowski winning the 2014 elite men’s road race
