Michał Gołaś

Rider Profile

Michał is one of seven new signings for the 2015 campaign, and while he is regarded as one of the most reliable domestiques in the peloton, he is more than capable of taking his chances when he gets them.

The Pole won his national road race title in 2012, and last season emerged triumphant at the Kampioenschap van Vlaanderen. Since turning professional in 2010, Gołaś has also topped the mountains classification at the Tours of Poland and Beijing, and won the sprint jersey at the Tour of Britain.

It is in the loyal service of others where Michał really excels, and his ability to keep key riders protected is one of the key reasons why we're welcoming him into the fold in 2016.

Q&A

Who inspired you to start cycling?

I don't come from a big cycling family, but there was a great team in my town and they helped me a lot. I tried a lot of sports but when I was 13 they took me on board and really got me into it.

First bike:

It was a brand new one that was given to me by my first cycling team. I'm lucky, I've never had to buy a bike!

First cycling club:

The very first was Iskra Mala Nieszawka but then it was TKK Pacific Toruń. I stayed with them from 13 until I turned professional.

Childhood hero:

I never had one specific hero - I admired different things in different people.

What do you love most about cycling?

I love the competitive side of it - the racing. 

Previous teams:

2007 Unibet.com; 2008 Cycle Collstrop; 2009 Amica Chips-Knauf; 2009-11 Vacansoleil; 2012-15; Omega Pharma [Etixx] - Quick-Step

Favourite race:

The Tour of Flanders. I hope I will get the chance to ride it one day.

Highlight of your career:

Helping Michał Kwiatkowski win the World Championships in 2014. That was something special because we are close friends.

If you weren't a rider, what would you be?

I've only ever wanted to be a professional bike rider, so that's a hard one. I'd like to think I'd have started my own business.

Favourite film:

I'm not a big movie fan because I don't really get time to watch them.

Favourite music:

I like a mix of everything from classical music to R&B. It depends on my mood.

What keeps you going when you're on the limit?

I can suffer a lot. I don't think about the things happening around me, I just focus on myself in that moment, riding hard and not giving up. 

Best friend in the peloton:

Michał Kwiatkowski. We grew up in the same town and we've ridden together for years. We spend 90% of the year together. 

Favourite food:

I've lived in Italy and I love their food, especially risotto. I like their culture and the way they celebrate their meals.

Most famous person you've met:

There's no one super famous that springs to mind. Just famous bike riders I guess.

Interests away from cycling:

I own a bike shop so that keeps me busy and takes my mind off being a professional cyclist when I'm not at races. 

Best advice:

Never give up and keep fighting. Even if you are not super talented, hard work can bring you to the top.

Career Highlights

2011

Tour de Wallonie - 4th overall; Tour de Pologne - 1st mountains classification; RideLondon Classic - 5th

2012

Giro d'Italia - 3rd stage six; Polish Road Race Championships - 1st

2013

Ster ZLM Toer - 4th overall; Tour of Britain - 9th overall

2014

Classic Sud Ardeche - 2nd; GP Impanis - 3rd; Tour of Beijing - 1st mountains classification

2015

Polish Road Race Championships - 2nd; Kampioenschap van Vlaanderen - 1st