WHEN Chris Froome is thanking his team-mates for their help in getting him a fourth Tour de France crown, Michal Kwiatkowski will be at the front of the queue.
The former world champion has put in one of the rides of his life over the past three weeks, with his contribution exceeding what was asked or expected of him.
Kwiatkowski was included in Sky’s nine-man squad with a brief to help Froome on the flat and the rolling roads, but time and again he was seen leading the Sky train high into the mountains.
“What’s made him outstanding is not just the amount of work that he’s done, but also the terrain that he’s been able to contribute on,” Sky team principal Dave Brailsford said.
“He can contribute in crosswinds and the lead-out in the final on the flat. He’s got the speed and the know-how. But then he was there six kilometres from the top of the Col d’Izoard as well. He’s been the man of the match.”
Kwiatkowski was dubbed as a “vanity signing” when Sky forked out a considerable salary to land him from what was Etixx-QuickStep at the start of the 2016 season.
Illnesses and injury plagued his first season with the team as he struggled to shake off that tag, but 2017 has revealed what Sky were paying for.
“I always enjoy riding for someone who’s got a chance to win the race,” he said. “This year in the Tour de France, Team Sky were aiming for one goal, the biggest goal you can aim for, the yellow jersey. I really enjoyed supporting Chris on his way to Paris.”
The 27-year-old potentially saved Froome the yellow with a swift rear wheel change for the team leader on stage 15.
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