"Age is not a reason to give up" - Michal Kwiatkowski still as fired up as ever as he prepares for 14th straight World Tour campaign

As Michal Kwiatkowski prepares for his 14th straight season at World Tour level, the now 33-year-old Pole is showing no signs of slowing down.

"Indeed, I have been a professional for a long time, but I don't think about it too much. For me, each new season is a challenge. If I felt the same way I did when I was 20 and did the same thing year after year, I would be bored here," says the INEOS Grenadiers man in conversation with Eurosport. "I'm older and this is a challenge for me. I believe that age is not a reason to give up and say to yourself: I'm not a 20-year-old anymore. It is the nature of an athlete to overcome various adversities."

Still more than capable, the former World Champion took a stage win at the Tour de France in 2023. This summer, the Tour awaits again, as does the Olympic Games. "This is a very important year for me. Taking part in the Tour de France and preparing for the Olympics will be difficult to reconcile. I was usually very fit for the summer period, when I had to start in the 'Great Loop'. This is also my plan for next season," he assesses. "Of course, there is also the world championship at the end of September. However, the main motivation will be directed towards the games in Paris. This thought is probably on every cyclist's mind. It's also nice that next year's Tour de France will look a little different than usual. It doesn't end in Paris, but in the place where I train every day, i.e. in Nice. Summer, i.e. July and August, but also September, will be crucial for me."

"After my professional contract ends, I would like to spend more time with my family. Will I stay in cycling? I don't know. I definitely want to do what I didn't have the opportunity or what wasn't given to me during my career," Kwiatkowski concludes when asked about his post-career plans. "It's an important thing, but I haven't thought about it yet. When I am about to end my career, I will speak loudly about my intentions."